All my life I have been overweight. I am currently 27 years old and for most of my adult life I have tried to eat better and become more active. The number of illnesses that run in my family surprised me as I filled out a questionnaire during my last doctor's visit. My family history includes alcoholism, diabetes, heart disease, cancer, high cholesterol and depression. Most of these conditions can be prevented through a healthy diet and exercise. I am grateful to have access to health care. About 2 years ago I started seeing a chiropractor and he introduced me to a whole new approach to becoming healthy. Every week I would have my spine adjusted and he would teach me new stretches to keep my back strong. As I started taking care of my back, I started to feel better overall. I started making better food choices and walking more. In addition to back problems, I have other problems related to being overweight. Being overweight has made me underactive in my daily life. Because of my weight, I have back problems and I can't stay as active as I would like. My weight also inhibits my ability to walk as long and as fast as I would like. I think the most inflicting thing my weight did to me was the depression I developed. Being overweight, my confidence isn't as strong as I would like. This demotivates me. These are all things that can affect me as I get older. As people age, primary changes related to aging occur. These changes are called “primary changes” and include: wrinkles, gray hair and presbyopia (Abushakrah). Most people will experience these changes. In addition to these changes, there are "secondary changes" that include: cancer and...... middle of paper ......ble than traditional cardio workouts such as running on a gym machine. There is good music and instructors. It makes me want to go there every time. Finally, finding time to take extra walks has also worked for me. When I have time between classes, I put on my headphones and listen to an audiobook or music. It passes the time and helps me get a little more exercise. All of these things that I am doing now in my life are realistic. Sometimes I wish I had started sooner, but I wasn't ready to commit to my health. In addition to taking this course, I learned a lot about my personal health. Writing this essay helped me see the work I have done to change my life. Additionally, taking this course helped me understand that we need to take care of ourselves physically and mentally as we age to live a happier life..