Exercising is very difficult if you don't motivate yourself. I have trouble, but keep pushing myself to get to go to the gym at least twice per week, and I do gardening almost every day, so I am not sitting all day. But it is so easy to sit at your computer and play games as life passes by and you don't realize that you are in your 70's and you haven't done a thing to improve on your health.

Hey Sammy, our health care dollars are stretched too far and our taxes are too high. You say people should be able to make decisions on their own, and be responsible for the consequences. OK that's fine, but people ARE NOT willing to be responsible for the consequences of their decisions. They want all the rest of us to pay for their medical bills, rehabilitation, and long term care. Until you pay for medical services 100% out of your own pocket, you are avoiding your responsibility to society. I bet YOU have an employer paid benefit plan and a provincial health care card and wouldn't hesitate to use either when your decisions lead to unpleasant consequences. And yeah, if YOU had a brain injury do you have any family members willing to wipe for your butt the rest of your life? Did you ask them, or are you assuming that they will be slaves to the results of your decision?

Your destination (walking,biking,running,hiking,skiing...etc) on any given outing is an immediate goal that works wonders for motivation. Having a secondary reason to get there is even better such as a swim, a climb or a mini stretch/yoga routine on a mountain top!

The lonesome dreamer!

Absolutely valid point Arlene.

Sammy, you're an idiot.

Wearing the right gear when participating in any given activity, isn't "babying" it's called common sense, which Sammy is obviously lacking.

But by all means ride your motorcycle, or bike, without a helmet, drive without a seatbelt, or anything else you think is "babying". I've seen enough of you idiots come in to my ER over time.

However I hope there's someone in your family who will make the time to "baby" you after your brain injury. You know, silly things like feeding you, wiping your rear end, and cleaning the spittle off your chin cause you were too "cool" for protective gear.

Idiot.

Wow... criticizing this article because of the visual example, what an absolute joke. Which reminds me of how some people are just big babies that have a need to encourage their bubble wrapped lifestyles on other adults. People should be able to make their own decisions regarding safety on their own and be responsible for any consequences. We truly live in a babied country... And what about people living in hot climates? I guess they all lose half their skin when they fall roller skating at 15 km/h.
Good article, but you might want to add the “p.s: don’t forget your chinstrap” on the bottom for people like Arlene ;)

The inline skater pictured here isn't wearing a helmet or any protective gear, such as wrist guards. It would be very inappropriate for anyone to go out skating dressed like this. You should promote a healthier, safer message by showing someone wearing the correct equipment, not tiny shorts and a tank top. She'd lose half her skin if she fell, or possibly fracture her skull.