The basic definitions of words that chiropractors utilize are often misunderstood by the general population. For instance, “wellness”. For a long time, I was not able to understand why my conversations with words such as these were misinterpreted by others. Unfortunately, there are some very large companies that have hijacked the very meaning of the term, wellness. Let’s go to a source. From dictionary.com, wellness is:
An approach to healthcare that emphasizes preventing illness and prolonging life, as opposed to emphasizing treating diseases.
*Notice that wellness is opposite of treating disease.
Right now there are pharmaceutical sales/marketing efforts that use the word, “wellness” in describing their approach to health, which is eradication of disease. I call this con-wellness.
Please note, this post is not intended to challenge the difference of treating disease and preventing disease. There are times for both forms of healthcare. However, using the word, “wellness” to mean something beyond it’s actual definition is an unethical marketing ploy that people need to acknowledge.
The issue becomes more serious than just a pet peeve, when you start to think about the customer that truly things they are practicing wellness, in an attempt to stay healthy and prolong a healthy life. Then, later realizes that they have been practicing emergency care instead of true healthcare. The visits to the hospital, the increased need for medications, the decreased life-expectancy will all bring this realization to light.
So, how can we learn before our health teaches us?
Try using a simple little intellectual test when it comes to your health decisions. One question might be:
Does this product or service alter me chemically, physically, or mentally beyond what is natural and normal?
This is not always an easy question to answer. However, a chiropractor, whose job is to remove interference to the innate ability you have with you to heal, is a professional that knows the definition between true wellness and con-wellness.