So, I’ll confess something embarrassing to you right now: I went to the emergency room this year with dehydration. In other words, I got super dizzy and tachycardic because I forgot to drink water. My veins were collapsed. And this from someone who is constantly plying her child with a sippy cup.

According to the Mayo Clinic, our bodies are about 60% water. As some of you know, my 29-year-old brother was diagnosed with stage III testicular cancer this year, and I also had my daughter Maxine. The stress of caring for my daughter, my job, my relationship, and my family in a time of crisis had me completely forgetting to eat, drink, stretch, sleep…you get the picture. Maybe you’ve even been a little guilty of this behavior yourself. Why try to eat breakfast when there are dishes to be washed and a toddler clinging to your leg? And where is that water bottle anyway?

So, I’ve resolved, in classic New Year’s resolution style, to take better care of myself, and I’m arrogantly suggesting you do the same.

My brother’s cancer progressed as far as it did because he was waiting until his work insurance kicked-in before he went to a doctor, which was almost too late. I’ve spent many of my precious days this last year sick in bed because I can’t seem to find the time to sleep and eat a few vegetables. We’re all going to pay for how we treat our bodies one way or another, so why not do it right and feel good for a change?

I know a lot of us are resolved to get skinnier, but before you start cutting out meals and chain-smoking, please just remember that this body is the only one you’ll get. In my attempt to adjust my attitude toward health, I picked-up Eating Well for Optimum Health by Andrew Weil, and Depak Chopra’s Perfect Health. I also taped a list of health to-do’s (like drink water!) to my refrigerator. Personally, I’m just the type that needs a little reminding.

January is “Here’s to Your Health” month at Bookmans, and there will be a number of health-related events in our stores, including a “Taking Care Wellness Fair” at Bookmans Flagstaff on Saturday January 30th at noon, a “Here’s to a New You” health fair Saturday January 16th at 10:00am at Bookmans Speedway, free chair massages at Bookmans Phoenix Saturday January 9th at 12PM with a “Healthy Food Choices” fair also at Bookmans Phoenix later that afternoon at 2PM, and free massages January 16th at 2PM in Bookmans Mesa.  Come on by, relax, and remind yourself to be well.