Really, Are You Healthy?
Over the years, I have had many opportunities to meet and interact with people from many walks of life. On more occasions than I can count, I have had people tell me that they are “pretty healthy.” Pretty health, in their mind, means that how they are living their lives at the moment is good enough. Upon further questioning, I find out what “pretty healthy” means:
- I’m not on too many medications
- I watch what I eat
- A couple of Advil and my knee doesn’t hold me back from what I need to do
- I’m able to get myself to work everyday
- I don’t eat too much fast-food
- I take the stairs at work instead of the elevator
- I used to run a lot when I was younger
- I sleep pretty good with my current sleep aid
- My blood pressure is under control with the right med
- I’m carrying a “few” extra pounds, but I can still tie my shoes
In other words, being “pretty healthy” means that they have symptoms, but that it’s not cramping their lifestyle too much.
What is Health?
Does that sound healthy to you? What is health?
Is it how you feel? This is important, let’s look at it for a moment.
If you feel great, but have undetected cancer, are you sick or healthy?
If you feel great, but have undetected tooth decay…you are sick!
If you feel great, but have undetected arterial plaque…you are sick!
Of the top four leading causes of death in the US, the first symptom is often death
1. Heart disease
2. Cancer
3. Cerebrovascular disease
4. Chronic lower respiratory disease
That means that you are dead before you know it. IF you survive you will have all of the other symptoms.
Not Merely the Absence of Symptoms
Dorland’s Medical Dictionary supplies the definition of HEALTH:
“Optimal mental, physical and social well-being and not merely…the absence of disease or infirmities.”
True health is when your body is working correctly mentally, physically and socially.
So…
If you are on medication – you are not healthy
If you are overweight – you are not healthy
If you are not active – you are not healthy
If you are in pain – you are not healthy
If the quality of your life has dropped as you have gotten older – there is an excellent chance that the level of your health has declined as well.
Don’t get caught in the trap of thinking that “pretty healthy” is good enough. Being “pretty healthy” is like walking a tight wire – there is a good chance that you are going to fall from “pretty health” to “unhealthy” pretty fast.
Look at what you can do to maximize your body’s ability to become healthy. Don’t be daunted if you have a long way to go…take one step at a time.
Dr. John Erickson DC
Clinic Director
Doctor of Chiropractic
The Health and Wellness Center
Chiropractic, Body Shapes Weight Loss,
Allergy Elimination, Posture Rehabilitation
Loveland, Colorado
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