Like most have already said, genetics certainly plays a factor in our health and well-being.

Still, it is very uplifting to see the countless people who have overcome a prediposition towards one problem or another, and who instead, are very healthy.

I agree with mimi too, that this lifestyle that many westeners have, particularly in america where everything revolves around cars, is quite destructive for soooo many reasons!

As an example, my car was stolen recently. I have not and am hoping not to replace it. I can't tell you how much more active I am now, little things, like walking to the market, the drug store, catching transit, etc - none of which I'd have done before.