Giving Meaning To The Phrase “GOOD HEALTH”

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We hear the phrase, “Good Health” all the time. The medical doctor gives you good news by saying you’re in “Good Health.” The chiropractor gives you good news by saying you’re in “Good Health.” Heading into the New Year we wish each other continued “Good Health.”

The problem is:

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HOW DO WE DEFINE “GOOD HEALTH?”

1. If a person’s blood pressure and cholesterol levels are normal because they are on two different blood pressure medications as well as one cholesterol lowering medication, do we define this as “Good Health?”

2. If a person has good blood pressure and good cholesterol levels but is classified as obese, do we define this as “Good Health?”

3. If a person takes various diabetes medications and maintains adequate sugar levels, but requires these medications as a result of an ongoing lifestyle that has contributed to the development of this disease, do we define this as “Good Health?”

4. If a person eats well, exercises regularly, has great blood lab values, but suffers from depression, do we define this as “Good Health?”

 “Health” does not require effort. It is achieved by simply existing.

Most of us take it for granted and contribute little conscious effort in affecting the quality of health we experience. “GOOD HEALTH,” however, requires effort and is achieved through a process of integration that requires the BALANCING of various aspects of life.

“ACHIEVING A NEW LIFE THROUGH INTEGRATION”

(after completing this article please read, “Achieving A New Life Through Integration” if you haven’t already done so by clicking the blue link above.)

Let’s return to the four examples above. Each example provides a short history of an individual defining a few health parameters, but to reach the conclusion that each of these individuals is in “Good Health” would directly contradict the integration model.  “Good Health” is NOT A PASSIVE EVENT.  Instead, it is a state of health in flux constantly challenged by physical, chemical, electrical and emotional forces where the body’s response successfully maintains homeostasis (a stable equilibrium between interdependent elements.) The body’s ability to maintain this state of health relies on the individual “FEEDING” it physically, chemically, electrically and emotionally. This “feeding” is accomplished through exercise, nutrition, spiritual/meditative techniques (for those without spiritual beliefs), social interactions, work/career, environmental interactions and family/spousal/significant other interactions. There are many sub-headings for each of these topics, but recognizing the significance of ACTIVELY BALANCING ALL OF THESE is essential to truly understanding and experiencing “GOOD HEALTH.”

I recently read a story about a woman named Katie who successfully transitioned her HEALTH from PASSIVE simple existence to ACTIVE “Good Health.” With the assistance of Kathy Maiorana, Certified Personal Trainer: ISSA and Certified & Licensed Nutritionist with Venice Nutrition, (Kathy Maiorana’s Website) Katie slowly began the process that most of us FEAR; the process of transformation.

Below are before and after pictures of Katie. You will notice that both pictures have Katie smiling, but as you read about her transformation you will begin to understand that the woman on the left displays an “outward” smile where the woman on the right displays a smile exuding “Good Health” and a new passion for life.

“Today I went to the doctor for my yearly physical. The doctor could not believe how healthy I was! He did not even recognize me. I was 93 lbs lighter and off all prescriptions and all of my numbers concerning my entire blood panel were perfect. My A1C was 4.5 and normal is 6! At age 36 I had a stroke and was 100 lbs over weight. Now I am sexy and healthy and feel AMAZING at age 41! Making the decision now to improve the quality of your health is an absolute must!!! You deserve it and yes baby, you are worth it!”

We must reinforce the message that Good Health is NOT achieved through medicating; it is achieved (as Katie proved) through lifestyle changes that REMOVE THE NEED FOR MEDICATION. This does NOT mean that medication is evil. It means that natural and pharmaceutical medication should ONLY be used when necessary and ONLY until the body strengthens to the point it is no longer needed. Naturally, there are instances where a deficiency is so great, that prolonged use (even lifelong) may be necessary.

I shared Katie’s story to show that REAL PEOPLE with REAL HEALTH PROBLEMS are capable of turning unhealthy lives into healthy ones. Many people believe it is too late for them. This is absolutely untrue! It requires a commitment and discipline that may require guidance and support, but is absolutely achievable for most people. With the new year so close, why not let this story be your source of inspiration to transform your life from where it currently is to a life of “GOOD HEALTH.” Now that you understand that passive lifestyles can never achieve this outcome, what is holding you back from taking the first step to living a better quality of life?  Don’t you deserve to feel as good about your health and life as Katie feels about hers?

Tags: disease, emotions, exercise, happiness, lifestyle, nutrition, positive thinking, weight loss