It goes without saying that everyone of us wish to live a healthy life. There comes a time in everyone’s life where they are faced with the reality that the body in which we reside is seldom in our control and that we need to make use of whatever little control we have, to live a healthy life. Then comes the confusion of what to do to achieve good health. One quick search on the internet will lead us down the rabbit hole of the fitness industry. Quick weight loss regimen and fad diets which seem to work as shown by models and celebrities are go to solutions for the hopeful and then comes the realization that what works for some people may not work for others. We may hire Personal trainers who seem to stalk us and might jump out from behind the counter anytime we take a second look at a cake or rasamalai. What is our goal? do we really know what we are aiming for?
People assume that there exists a universal formula which can transform them into a healthier version of themselves. The truth is that the anatomy (the structure), the physiology (the way our body works) and internal chemistry are unique for every individual and thus the afflictions one might be troubled with is unique. The approach to a healthier life is unique. If we do not know the status of our own health, it is easy to become lost on the path to a fruitful and happy life.
So, how do we define health? Being healthy may mean different things to different people. One’s view of personal health is highly subjective and many people assume that they remain healthy until they have been diagnosed with a disease and once diagnosed with chronic diseases they assume that they can never be healthy again.
The World Health Organization defines health as a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease and infirmity. People come for consultations with Doctors mainly because of impairment of their physical well-being and most of our history taking and further evaluation are focussed on that aspect. Since the beginning of the twentieth century increased interest in the mental well-being has developed and we are more aware of the implications of a poor mental health. Social well-being is often a neglected aspect of a person’s history but is an important aspect since the social well-being provides a scaffold for the person’s life to be built upon.
I believe that good health is a state of mind and body and their relationship with the environment which allows us to function at the maximum capacity without causing harm to self or others. It is counterproductive to be focused on one particular aspect while avoiding the other aspects of good health. Recent research shows that regular exercise helps with mood disorders and that stress reduction reduces chronic inflammation. The steps to reach a balance of the aspects of good health takes effort and careful introspection and expert consultation while avoiding self diagnosis. The eyes sees what the mind knows and as such getting an opinion from experts and understanding our condition at any particular point in time is necessary to help us and keeps us from being led down paths of paranoia and propaganda.
As doctors when dealing with patients who present with complaints of deficits in their physical, mental or social well-being we tend to be more objective and we can take a history, conduct a thorough examination, prescribe tests and finally with a decent confidence arrive at a diagnosis. Many people tend to avoid a doctors consultation as much as possible for fear of being diagnosed with an “incurable disease” or “terminal illness”. The avoidance of a diagnosis as well as the drive to a better health both originate from our inherent need for self-preservation.
The reality is each and every one of is going to develop some health issues during the short time we are alive and it is possible to live a productive life with whatever time we have. It is possible to live a productive life in spite of your present health condition. If one feels something abnormal in their physical body or mind or their interaction with the environment it is better to get a professional opinion and educate yourself with valid knowledge to understand and implement steps to attain maximum functionability and comfortableness. Constant use of our mind and body while conditioning the environment which is around us and which we take into the body can drastically improve our life, which is the ultimate goal of any fitness, spiritual or health journey and If you are starting one be it out of curiosity or necessity know that you have people that support you including me. I wish you the best.