Let’s begin with a good health definition in general. The WHO health definition (World Health Organization), albeit from 1948: “Health is a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity”. Assuming that’s true, what’s the definition of physical health and does good health naturally mean that “all natural” is good, especially as it applies to food?
What’s the definition of physical health?
Is there one?
Based on the WHO health definition as it applies to physical health, is it safe to say that simply because everything is working as it should in the absence of disease or infirmity (weakness or ailment), that we’re not necessarily in good physical health?
What do you think?
I personally believe there is more to being healthy in the moment. On the other hand, I also believe that because we are only guaranteed the present, if you’re healthy, don’t take it for granted. Enjoy it while you can.
I also believe the state of our physical health depends largely on our personal health plan. In other words, it depends on how well we take care of ourselves on a regular basis. That includes:
Eating habits
Exercise habits or lack thereof
Sleep habits
Spiritual habits
General living habits
Without seeming as though I am a pundit, expert or zealot about any of the aforementioned, that I am personally the definition of physical health, the definition of spiritual health, or anything that resembles the definition of good health, in a nutshell, what I’m saying is all the bullet points have a bearing on our physical health.
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What do you think?
It’s about good health
One dictionary provides this definition of health:
“The general condition of the body or mind with reference to soundness and vigor: good health; poor health.”
The ancient Roman poet Virgil said, “The greatest wealth is health”.
I couldn’t agree more but I am a bit troubled by the amount of over-emphasis placed on physical health, as if it is mutually exclusive from the other aspects of health.
I believe health is about:
Physical
Mental
Emotional
Spiritual
Financial
The “soundness and vigor” in which we pursue and maintain these factors has a direct and indirect effect on each and every one of the factors.
Furthermore, I find it troubling that the word wealth is so overly associated with money and financial wealth.
It’s not to say that I don’t see the importance of physical health and financial wealth. They are both key components of overall health but they are not stand-alone concepts.
What are your thoughts?
All Natural
The “all natural” phenomenon, especially as it applies to food, is one of the biggest marketing ploys ever. If it’s not a scam, it’s a joke.
It means nothing!
There is a HUGE difference between organic and all natural. Don’t confuse the two and by all means don’t fall for the propaganda that leads you to believe they are one and the same. They’re not.
Organic, at least as it applies to food, is highly regulated. It actually means something. However, keep in mind that just because it’s organic doesn’t necessarily mean it’s healthy.
All natural can mean pretty much anything. As far as the food we eat is concerned, it is not regulated. It is a highly misleading tag.
Don’t be fooled.
I’m not saying don’t enjoy it. I’m not saying all natural is bad. I’m simply saying it’s about as superfluous term as there ever was. There is no depth to it.
My formula
For me, it all boils down to a few simple concepts and principles beginning with:
Honesty
Respect
Best Effort
These are indispensable. They cost nothing and should be applied at all times.
Next are the 5 F’s:
Food – Not just what we eat but includes anything we consume physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. If we are what we eat, this says it all.
Fitness – Includes all the 5 bullet points mentioned above
Finances – Affected by the previous two and affects the previous and next two
Fulfillment – It’s about completion and includes all the bullet points mentioned
Fun – The importance of how it affects health and is affected by it is often overlooked
I have tagged the 5 F’s as the components of a bulletproof life.
To sum it up, all the above is important but the proper balance is the key. I believe too many of us are simply out of balance. Furthermore, there is not a one-size-fits-all balancing act.
Last but not least, from the late, great Redd Foxx:
“Health nuts are going to feel stupid someday, lying in hospitals dying of nothing.”
Agree? Disagree?
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Bob is a retirement planning and safe money professional who specializes in life insurance products and who has more than 20 years experience.
