I am moving. It is a nightmare. I only hope that when I wake up my dreams will come true. After six years in the same location, Medical Rehab Supply is moving to our new location at 1701 S. Staples. That is the lime-green building at the point of Six Points. This move has been much anticipated and greatly needed, as our business has outgrown our current location. The most exciting part of the move for me is that we are opening a health-food store called Healthy U inside of our medical supply store. Why would we do that? It’s about change.
Change is difficult. We resist it most of the time. Songs have been sung about it: “The Times They are a Changin.’” Books are written about it: “Who Moved My Cheese?” Even campaign slogans are created to tout it: change you can believe in! And now we, as a community, are facing a huge battle against obesity and must not only be up to the task of changing our habits, but must also embrace change as the vehicle that leads us to a healthier life.
Seven years ago, I was going along in my 40s believing what most people believe about a healthy lifestyle. I thought if I did all things in moderation, I would be OK. I could eat the standard American diet and live the average American lifestyle. I had a brush with the dreaded big C, cancer, but that didn’t really change me. After I started my radio show and interviewed experts on diet and nutrition, as well as many diseases and conditions, I saw a clear pattern emerge. One interview in particular affected me greatly. Dr. T Colin Campbell’s book, “The China Study,” made a compelling argument that a healthy diet looks nothing like what most of us eat. He presented scientific data indicating that a radical change in eating habits could prevent the most common causes of death and disease in America.
So I changed. First, I changed what I believed. I started looking at food as something that nourished my body or harmed my body and tried to eat foods that did the former instead of the later. The intellectual transformation was critical for me, as I came up against many obstacles to eating a truly healthful diet. Because I believed so completely that change was necessary for my health and the health of my family, I was able to make it through the first initial phase of relearning how to eat. After that, it has been more about dedication and perseverance to stay on the path that I know leads to health.
My business primarily serves people who are already dealing with health problems or disability. Prevention of disease should be the primary focus of the health care system because so much suffering could be adverted. In an effort to contribute to the education of people on health issues, our business now offers our customers ways they can start taking those steps to change the course of their lives. The Healthy U health food store serves as a tool to assist people in learning to eat better and take care of their bodies.
What motivates people to change? The answer is elusive. It appears to be a complicated mix of reasons for some people and maybe just one reason for others. I had to be convinced by an intellectually compelling argument that change was the only way I could protect my own personal well being, but I’m not sure that is what it takes for everyone.
It is time find out what it will take to change our community. Corpus Christi is a beautiful city with kind, friendly people. I want to be a part of the change that makes all of our lives better. I know you do, too.
A good friend of mine sent me a text that I have saved and reread many times. It said, “For things to change, we have to change. For things to get better, we have to get better.” That may be the mantra that Corpus Christi needs at this time.
Judy Lapointe is the co-owner of Medical Rehab Supply in the new location at 1701 S. Staples Street at Six Points in Corpus Christi, Texas. Healthy U Health Food Store is inside Medical Rehab Supply and offers a selection of high-quality vitamins, supplements, organic foods and the most researched nutritional product of its kind, Juice Plus+. J.R. Watkins products from the original liniment, natural cleaning products, organic spices, oils and lotions are also available. Hours are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Call 361-887-1877 for more information.
