What Is Health?

What is HEALTH and why do we even care?

Every time you turn on the TV, open a magazine, turn on the radio, open Facebook, Instagram, etc, there is always an opinion on health!

But what is health really? And why is society as a whole so hungry to achieve it?

Lets take a look… depending on the source there are varying definitions:

[if !supportLists]• [endif]Merriam-Webster: the condition of being sound in body, mind, or spirit

[if !supportLists]• [endif]Dictionary.com: the general condition of the body or mind with reference to soundness and vigor

[if !supportLists]• [endif]Google: the state of being free from illness or injury

The list goes on and on… But wait, does health really mean just "not being sick"?

The condition of being “sound”? What does that even mean?

Here is the definition that resonates with us the most:

[if !supportLists]• [endif]World Health Organization (WHO): Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.

Health does not only mean “not being sick” (absence of disease), but it is the state of COMPLETE physical, mental and social well-being. Having 100% function of every cell, every tissue, every organ and every muscle!

So where does this so called health come from? Where is the prescription for optimal function? What kind of doctor do I need to call for this? Where is the regimen for complete physical well-being? What’s the diet I need to follow??

Well we have good news and bad news! The bad news is that health does not come from a bottle, a jar, or a packet. The good news is that health comes from within you! It’s an inside job!

Some of the most important components of health include:

[if !supportLists]• [endif]a properly functioning nervous system

[if !supportLists]• [endif]appropriate/ nutritious foods

[if !supportLists]• [endif]pure/ clean water

[if !supportLists]• [endif]mental stimulation and positive thinking

[if !supportLists]• [endif]exercise and movement

[if !supportLists]• [endif]clean/ fresh air

[if !supportLists]• [endif]plenty of sunshine

[if !supportLists]• [endif]proper rest

[if !supportLists]• [endif]minimizing the exposure to chemicals and carcinogens

[if !supportLists]• [endif]nurturing loving relationships/ support

[if !supportLists]• [endif]etc.

With all these components in place, our amazing bodies can do what they were created to do! Our bodies have an amazing ability to heal, repair, and function at 100% on their own when given the proper environment!

All of the components above are pretty self explanatory, with the exception of a properly functioning nervous system. Our brain and our spinal cord (conveniently encased by the bones of our spine) make up our central nervous system, which sends and receives messages to and from our brains to the rest of our body. Making sure that this communication is free of any obstacles is our #1 focus as chiropractors. We make sure that the messages are being sent and received properly, ensuring that all of your cells, muscles, and organs are receiving the information and attention they need to function at their highest potential!

What are some areas of health that you need to give more attention to?

Are you sleeping enough?

Could you incorporate more fruits and vegetables into your meals?

Could you find some time to breath some fresh air and get some sunshine in your day?

Take some time to look over these components of health and think of some ways to improve on the areas that you have been putting off… your body will thank you!!

Need ideas? Leave a comment!