When handsome young bachelor Salem Gibson readily agreed to be interviewed for my Valentine column, I thought I was going to get some real advice on attractiveness between the sexes, something like, “A girl chases a boy like the cheese chases the mouse.” Well, I did get comments on the causes of attractiveness, but it was not at all what I expected.
Salem works part-time at the Frank P. Phillips YMCA as a wellness coach and personal trainer, while pursuing a degree in exercise science/kinesiology at MUW, leading to becoming a strength and conditioning coach. That job differs from physical therapist in that he will work with athletes. He works now not only with people aspiring to excel in sports, but people recovering from surgery.
It is a field that comes naturally to him. Both his parents, Robert and Stephanie Gibson, are health oriented. I was somewhat surprised, but I should have known that the first requirement for fitness is good nutrition.
He advises very little processed food, defining “processed” as anything that takes food away from its natural state. That would include things like additives, preservatives and canning.
“The simpler the food choices, the better, ” he says. “The fewer hands it passes through, the healthier. The old adage ‘You are what you eat’ is true. Put good quality in, good quality is what you get out.”
He observes that, unfortunately, in Mississippi it is very difficult for some people to lead a healthy lifestyle.
For physical activity, he says, “You don’t have to beat people over the head. Abusing fitness, not allowing the body to rest and recover, is something to avoid.”
He emphasized that moderation is key to everything. “All of us want to indulge ourselves occasionally. We just do not need to make bad indulgences a habit.”
He observed that when babies first begin to crawl or toddle, their bodies lean forward. As we grow, we need to overcome tendency to infantile posture. We need to stand straight.
Salem also advocates weight training. He holds up Biblical characters as examples. They had to walk farther and work harder, but they were very fit. Their occupations were demanding — building, fishing, farming, traveling, stone cutting, carpentry — and they were strong. Imagine having to carry heavy jugs just to fetch water from the community well. Today too many youngsters are just sitting and eating. I fear that is true of us adults as well.
What does all this have to do with Valentines, the symbol of love? Salem says, “If you love your friends and family, healthy decisions are necessary. Real love means being there to care for them and spend time with those who mean so much to you. There are plenty of people to love — yourself, your spouse, your family and your friends.”
Giving really is better than receiving. That is especially true when you give yourself and your heart instead of things — especially chocolate! This Valentine’s Day may you find a special way to give something of your healthy self to those you love.
Thanks, Salem, for reminding us.
Betty Boyls Stone is a freelance writer, who grew up in and lives in Columbus.
The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.
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