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.
I’ve seen a trend on Facebook in the last year that asks if you are safe. I assume, a way to check on friends that are in affected areas of significant events. It is unfortunate that this has become even a question, especially with the advances our society has made over the past 150 years: travel, electricity, phone, farming methods. The list is exhaustive, and yet we still have to “mark ourselves safe”. However, this isn’t a political blog, so I will get to my point.
I can appreciate knowing how everyone is doing in the event of a true crisis, however maybe we can make a “mark yourself healthy” option on social media.
Thank for a minute a little deeper.
Unhealthy habits negatively affect most Americans today. One way to measure this, for instance, is use of the Heart Rate Variability (HRV):
Research has shown that an increase from low to moderate HRV, decreases mortality by 400%.
Pretty significant, right?
Please do not misunderstand, I am not suggesting that we should not be concerned about terrorists, stabbings on campus or riots on Wall Street. I am suggesting, however, that we concern ourselves more with items we have direct control: Your health.
The correct amount of oxygen is given to the correct amount of blood cells in the exact place that is most efficient in the correct percentage necessary for life. Truly, we could go on and on about the intelligent actions within you…and it truly is doing it yourself.
In fact, you are your own pharmacy. Your body distributes the drugs to the right places, in the right fashion and at the right time….and it does this by itself.
So what is our job?
Don’t interfere, interrupt, disrupt or harness the ultimate DIY within you, your own personal innate intelligence.
The word, “legacy” is very important to our clinic, Adjust. It is one of our core values that serves as a litmus test for our objectives. Simply put, we make decisions that have positive affects long-term. What would be the opposite of this?
Temporary
There are many health practices that provide temporary change, temporary relief, or temporary changes. Sometimes this is necessary. However, if you are looking to have a better life experience, then thinking about your health 20 years from now is the best decision you could make.
When making decisions for your health, think legacy. How will the decisions I make today affect me 5, 10, 20, or 50 years from now?
Due to my Catholic roots, I enjoy giving up something that is unhealthy for Lent. If you give up the right thing, it is a healthy change and a good way to test self-control. But, what happens after Lent?
After you are off the hook from your religious requirements, what happens to that unhealthy habit?
Is the habit a vice or an indulgence?
If I can honestly say that my habit is a vice, basically that it takes me away from what is truly important in my life, then it has to go. Sometimes removing yourself for 6 weeks from something just to see the result is well worth it to your overall health.
One thing I will never go without is a clear and healthy nerve system, and neither will my family for that matter. With this, you can and will adapt much better to your lifestyle, vices and all. It doesn’t mean the habits can be ignored. You should minimize as much stress to your body as you can. What I am saying is simply this:
A break from habits is a good thing. However, don’t forget the follow up that must be had to properly asses the damage after AND don’t forget what helps you adapt to these habits.
