You hold many of the keys to alleviating chronic pain. It comes down to the basics, and that’s because it works. What we eat and our level of activity are important factors to help YOU remain strong and healthy.

In my new book “The Power of 5: The Ultimate Formula for Longevity & Remaining Youthful,” I talk about the importance of sweat (exercise) and physical activity as well as the role of diet and nutrition and how the foods we eat make an impact on how we feel.

As we become adults, I’ve discovered there’s a segment of our population that falls into a category of “active adults” who care about what they eat and maintain a body-positive lifestyle. Others fall into a category of stagnation, where they’ve eaten a steady diet with little change over a long period of time, and exercise is not a primary concern.

The latter can lead to obesity, where our body weight is at least 20% higher than it should be. Eventually, this excess weight can lead to strain on our bones, muscles and joints. Diseases such as arthritis and conditions like back pain, limb pain, and musculoskeletal stress can result.

So what do I recommend?

Yoga: Curbs chronic neck and back pain. Postures are the backbone of yoga and besides straightening your slouch, it may also ease chronic pain. In yoga, you hold a pose, your muscles contract and then slowly relax as you breathe in and out. When relaxation sets in, back pain abates.

Pilates: This is a form of exercise that focuses on core strength, flexibility and awareness in order to support efficient and graceful movement. It actually has become one of the most popular exercise approaches in the country.

Meditation: It can be used to help reduce anxiety, pain, depression, stress, and insomnia. It may also alleviate physical and emotional symptoms associated with chronic illnesses and their respective treatments. Meditation can also be used for overall wellness.

Nutrition: The Mediterranean diet has long been admired as one of the healthiest to follow. It primarily revolves around fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes and nuts; replacing butter with olive or canola oil; and using herbs and spices instead of salt to flavor food.

While we can’t turn back the clock, we can use the information we have now to make for a better tomorrow. A healthy life is cause for celebration, and the choices we make play an important role in how we feel. It’s never too late to make a change. Join the movement and start today!