What is Wellness?

Wellness Topics

In 1958, the World Health Organization (WHO) defined health as, "a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity."

Many of us who practice non-traditional health care would take it one step further and define “wellness” as the balance of mind, body and soul, not merely the absence of disease. Given these two definitions, where do you stand in terms of wellness? Are you balanced in these three areas? Are you living up to your true potential, optimized in every area of your life to be the best “you”?

Very few of us can answer these questions with a resounding, “Yes,” but it’s never too late to start to embrace the lifestyle and behaviors of someone who is striving for wellness in their lives.

What are some behaviors that you can incorporate into your life to achieve a state of wellness?

Eat right – Fast foods, sugar, soft drinks and chips just don’t cut it in a wellness model. Fresh fruits and vegetables, fish, low fat lean meats, whole grains – these are the types of food that promote healthy eating habits. Watch alcohol intake as this can certainly become an unhealthy element in today’s stressful times.

Exercise right – Regular exercise promotes a healthy cardiovascular system, increases your metabolism to burn calories, prevents unhealthy weight gain, builds strong bones, muscles, joints and ligaments and boosts your immune system. The combination of proper nutrition and exercise goes a long way in helping to avoid obesity, which is reaching epidemic levels worldwide.

Sleep right – Burning the midnight oil, working to excess, sleeping “on the run,” working second and third shifts – these do not lend themselves to proper sleeping habits. Your body needs sleep to shut down and recharge. The average adult needs 7 – 8 hours of sleep each night to restore the body so it can function optimally the next day.

Live right – Be kind and compassionate to others, develop a strong set of moral principles and live by them, regardless of what others do, discover your life’s purpose through prayer and meditation, live as if each day were your last, connect with others and the universe, nurture your spirituality/religion through reading, attendance at religious services, helping others who are less fortunate.

You only have one body and it’s never too late to get on track to true wellness. It is only in this state that you can reach your God-given potential. Remember the movie, The Bucket List? What’s on your list and how will you get there?

Please remember that chiropractic care helps to optimize the potential of your nervous system. Since we live our lives through our nervous system, ridding yourself of negative interference that keeps you from reaching your full potential is a necessary step on the road to wellness.

 Dr. Elizabeth Asks some important questions of interest to Fairfax residents - Chiropractor Fairfax Dr. Elizabeth Asks...

What's the difference between sick care and health care?
Sick care is largely about relieving or suppressing symptoms. Health care is about improving performance. While sick care is about how you feel, health care is about how you function. Sick care is what you do to treat an obvious problem, and health care is what you do to avoid the problem and advance your well-being.
What's a side effect?
It may sound like a bonus; something extra, but chiropractors know it should more accurately called an "unintended effect," and "unwanted effect" or in some cases an "adverse effect." A pill can't come close to matching your body's ability to create and deliver the essential compounds it needs. That's when it's important to make sure your nervous system is working correctly—the purpose of chiropractic care!