Are you a large person?  Join the club.  You're in good company, and this article may be for you.

I'm going to let you in on a little secret.  It's no shame to be fat.  I'm going to let you in on another secret.  No matter who you are and where you're at, you are a valuable person.

First, I want you to know I am NOT a health care professional, and that any opinion I express in this article is from a layman's point of view.  My point of view.  NOTHING in this article is Medical Advice.  Medical Advice MUST be obtained from a Health Care Professional.

If you read parts I and II of this article you know that we've already addressed attitude and dress.  Part III addresses health.

I am not going to address getting thin or suggest some weight loss program.  What I am talking about is being healthy for your size.

I am among thousands if not hundreds of thousands of large persons who have spent literally billions of dollars on weight loss programs that didn't work.  Many of us feel frustration and rejection that many of our thin friends will never know.

Living Large and healthy is mostly a matter of common sense.  No...a person can't drink a case of beer or eat two gallons of ice cream a day and expect to remain healthy.  Nor can a person starve himself and remain healthy.   Actually, health lies somewhere in between.

Listen to your body.  Nobody knows your body like you.  Take a pro-active approach to your health.  If you experience sharp pains or shortness of breath, take note of the problem and discuss them with your Health Care Professional.  Write down what was happening at the time.  Were you stressed or were you relaxed?  How long were the pains?  Where were the pains?  What did you do to alleviate the pain?  These are the types of things your health care professional should know.

What is your family medical history?  If you don't know...find out.  Knowing your family history can help you anticipate and avoid some potential health hazards.

A little exercise goes a long way.  Most of us can walk...even if only a short distance.  The old adage, "A long journey begins with one step," applies.  Don't over-do.  Ease into any exercise program.

If walking is a problem water exercises might be the answer for you.  If you don't have a swimming pool many motels will allow you to rent time in their pool.

Several years ago, I suffered a head-on collision.  I could walk only a few feet at a time.  I began water exercises and pressure on my joints was relieved while I exercised until my muscles were strengthened enough to carry my weight comfortably.

Are you immobile?  A friend who was bedridden read that orchestra conductors are some of the healthiest persons.  He turned on music and acted as though he was conducting an orchestra.  He did several conducting sessions per day for a week and began feeling better.  Eventually, he was able to attain limited mobility.

Are you non-mobile.  Find something to occupy your mind.  Find a hobby that you like.  Can you read?  Can you write?  Can you pray?  The more you focus on others the happier you'll be.

Are you a large person that has been ridiculed and abused?  Do you feel isolated?  Remember, you are of great value.  Jesus Christ said, "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me;  for I am  meek and lowly in heart: and you shall find rest unto your souls.  For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." Matt. 11:28-30

Remember, that being large offers unique challenges, but when faced with a good attitude most can be overcome.  

Do you have any comments, recommendations, or suggestions?  I will be glad to hear from you.

About the Author.  Mark Brown, who writes under the pen name J-me can be contacted here: 

www.masonbricklin.net