WHO AM I?

Let me first tell you who I am. For the past 40 years I have delighted in being a professional health educator. I've written five books on health and wellness, lectured extensively on the art and science of initiating and sustaining meaningful lifestyle change, and have received endorsements of my work from US presidents, US First Ladies, noted scientists, media personalities, US Surgeon Generals, business leaders, and most importantly from the general public. I’ve also climbed and trekked to mountain summits in Asia, Africa, Europe, Alaska and the US lower 48; all after being diagnosed and treated for cancer at the age of fifty-one.  On the home front, I have been married to Hillary for thirty-eight years and we have three wonderful children, Brent, Derek, and our daughter, Logan.  Oh yes, plus two cats and a puppy (don’t ask...).

For more information on me you can simply click on the link and it will take you to a short bio.  While you’re there, check out the work of The Health & Wellness Institute.

http://www.hwinstitute.com/michael-h-samuelson-president-and-ceo

If you wish, you can also click below for a short video...

WHY WOULD YOU WANT TO FOLLOW THIS BLOG?

Below, I share some of the things being said about my work  (more available if you really want it) not to blow my own horn but to suggest that there may be value in reading what I have to say. Professionally, I have studied the issues of health promotion and disease prevention my entire adult life. I've been there, I’ve written the books, I’ve trained the trainers, I’ve presented the university lectures and I’ve learned from the successes and failures of others.  Now, with this blog, I will stand vulnerable before the masses and bet my health and my dignity (more to come about that) on getting in the best shape of my life...and remaining so. 

WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING ...

"Michael…You are among a very select group of distinguished leaders, scientists, activists and public figures…"

—George H.W. Bush, Former President of The United States

 

"Michael: Thank you for helping our stakeholders turn on their radar."

—Willie G. Davidson, Founder, Harley-Davidson Motor Company

"This is a compelling book that moves your heart.  Read it and share it with others"

—Ken H. Blanchard, co-author of The Minute Manager and Gung Ho!

"… You also have the knack of maintaining what I know you strive for, and this a coterie of individuals diverse, yet with one overriding common concern. You have done it well."

—C. Everett Koop, M.D., Sc.D. US Surgeon General

"Your presentation was truly inspiring and made a significant contribution to the resounding success of the summit [Steps to a Healthier US - Keynote Address] by providing insights and valuable information to our audience."

—Richard H. Carmona, MD, US Surgeon General

 "”Engaging, enlightening, challenging, and inspiring! ... The Coach gives tips that can change our lives..."

—James O. Prochaska, Ph.D., author, Changing for Good:  The Revolutionary Program  That Explains the Six Stages of Change and

Teaches You How to Free Yourself from Bad Habits.

"What a marvelous inspirational book you have put together -- it is so touching as one reads each story. However, I am not surprised after meeting you and hearing you speak..."

—Betty Ford, Former US First Lady

“Long known in the cancer community for his dedication and passion, Michael Samuelson extends his mission in these pages.  We encourage you to read this book and share it with others.”

—The Lance Armstrong Foundation

 

"A really powerful and very important book with life lessons for everyone. Five stars!"

—Larry King, Larry King Live, CNN

I INVITE YOU TO FOLLOW ALONG (and join me) ON MY HEALTH & WELLNESS  JOURNEY

Even though I am in reasonably good shape with a long history of fitness, I was recently informed that due to arthritis (combination of age [61] and a six-plus-decade active life of running, cycling, extreme altitude mountain climbing/trekking and every contact sport you can name), it would be a good idea for me to to relieve joint stress by dropping as much weight as health will allow.

The process of change is easy...just do it. Umm, catchy phrase.  Well, of course, even for health professionals, it can be a challenge to make and sustain meaningful changes in daily life habits.  So, let me rephrase that.  The science of change is easy, it’s the art of change that throws us a curve.    

Okay, sure, fine.  Hey, I’ve summited Mt. Kilimanjaro (The Machame Route), trekked to the Mt. Everest Base Camp and reached the summit of Mt. Kalapatar in Nepal so losing twenty pounds—and keeping it off—should be a piece of cake!  No. Scratch that.  It should be as easy as pie!  Well, hold on, maybe it won’t be as easy as I think (nothing ever is).  It’s not like I don’t already exercise and maintain a healthy diet.  I do.  So, it means as I move deeper into my seventh decade I need to increase my exercise and reduce calories. 

I can do this!  I will do this!  As long as I remain as cool as a cucumber. 

Then again I just might be nuttier than a fruitcake for publishing this journey for all to see!  Let’s find out together...just click “Blog” at the very top of this page.