The Periodic Table of TOPS continues to move towards completion with the introduction of the 45th element. The element is Nobelium, named for Alfred Nobel, who invented dynamite. I hope you have a blast reading this blog.
Nobelium, which is symbolized by No, has no uses outside of scientific research. For our purposes, No will symbolize No.
“Just Say No” was a famous campaign quote from many years ago. Although the intent was well meant, it was not a very successful campaign against drug abuse.
As a human battling obesity for all my life, if I had a nickel for every time I heard, “Just say no to certain Foods (F),” “Just say no to having dessert,” “Just say no to a second helping,” “Just say no to eating late at night,” or “Just say no to Temptations (T),” I would be a rich man.
Why anyone would think that a simple “No” is all that is needed for such a complex issue is totally beyond me.
I try not to refract too much on folks who do not have a Weight (W) problem and are so quick to give the “Just Say No” advice. They mean well, but losing Weight (W) to achieve better Health (H) cannot be done by sheer willpower alone.
The fact that the “Just Say No” advice is not very helpful unfortunately allows many quick schemes, similar to snake oil salesmen, to cloud the issues and prey on our vulnerability.
As I wrote in the first element introduced, Health (H), “I admit to playing the game and putting my big toe into the quick schemes of weight loss. Sure, I lost weight, but I was not any healthier and was possibly putting myself at risk for other related health issues.”
I say we should definitely say No to those quick fixes. The TOPS mission of providing Support (S) and Accountability (Ac) for any human battling obesity is a nobel thing to do.
By DeeAnn Nowlin-Green August 9, 2023
So very true, it’s not always easy to tell ourselves no. sometimes we just want what we crave. however learning to replace an item for a healthier choice works for me.
By Jo=Anne Paw August 5, 2023
I have valued the blogs you have been doing now for over a year called The Periodic Table of TOPS. Genius idea, Rick. All valuable blogs. I have done programs on several at my chapter. I have not read stats on the success of the logo, “Just say, “No” ” to discourage youth from smoking and doing drugs so I do not speak with any scientific validity on the success/failure of this phrase for the purpose I mentioned above. Having been alive and active (in retirement for the last 20 years) I am aware that tobacco and drug use are still problematic in our society, thus, perhaps the “NO” word did not work in that regard. As you said, the phrase gives the idea that losing weight and giving up certain actions to do it are as easy as verbalizing a two letter negative word. I agree it is not that easy. I do want to stress tho’ that self talk to stop you from doing unhealthy actions that contribute to weight gain can be effective, or at least for myself and some friends. My theory is we train children and animals from a very early age using the word, “NO” to protect them from unsafe actions that can lead to harmful consequences. It works more often than it doesn’t in my experience. We do this because we love and want to take care of, protect and train our young ones. If we love ourselves, which we should ( and I know many people don’t) , we need that same, simple , “NO” word given as self-talk inside your head, repeatedly some days at home, at work, shopping, socializing, all venues of our daily lives. To me, the word, “Just” is ineffective and misleading but a brief, assertive, “NO” when you reach for a troublesome food, a second helping, etc. can work and help develop self=discipline. If you can say, “NO, ” to your children or your cherished dog, you can say it to yourself for a chance at long term wellness and protection. ( I am a twenty year non-stop KOPS. ) I do realize different things work for different people but I encourage others to think about my rambling above and give the “self talk NO practice” an honest try. Keep on blogging, Rick! It is appreciated.
By Gina Brueske August 4, 2023
You are so correct. Easier said than done. Thanks.
By Norma Gowlett August 4, 2023
Thanks for this very clever reminder about healthy choices.