Health is a term that is difficult to define: Many definitions place unnecessary boundaries on its meaning. But I like the way the World Health Organization defines health as “a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” This definition stretches well beyond the absence of sickness. My life and this book are about helping people attain a higher level of health.
Many of our health practices and lifestyle choices are based on habit and marketing hype. Time, energy, and money are spent marketing bad health practices. The mass media constantly bombards us with messages promoting unhealthful choices. In addition, the health practices and lifestyle of our parents usually become intricately woven into the fabric of our own lifestyles. No wonder so many Americans live at the lower end of the health spectrum.
The first step in achieving and maintaining wellness is taking personal responsibility. In this context, responsibility means choosing a healthful alternative over a less healthful one. If you want to be healthy, you must make healthful choices. This may seem too simplistic, but if we look at the cumulative effects of our routine choices on attitude, diet, lifestyle, and exercise, it is quite apparent that we do, in fact, control the level of health we will experience. The reward for most people who maintain a positive mental attitude, eat a healthful diet, and exercise regularly is a life full of energy, joy, vitality, and a tremendous passion for living.
It is often difficult to “sell” people on health. It is usually not until the body fails us in some manner that we realize that we haven’t taken care of it. Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “The first wealth is health.” I urge you to take action now.