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"A human being would certainly not grow to be 70 or 80 years old if this longevity had no meaning for the species. The afternoon of human life must also have a significance of its own and cannot be merely a pitiful appendage to life's morning." -Carl Jung
I have this new notion when it comes to thinking about "HEALTH". I've always been very interested, yet skeptical about the ways to improve someone's risk of disease. Since graduating with a degree in Exercise Physiology everything has changed. Cardio is no longer the best form of exercise. Tracking calories is old news. Oh and glucose... forget it! This madness has led me to a new way of thinking and to be frank, a new way of interpreting information... Here's the definition of "HEALTH" described by the World Health Organization: "Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease and infirmity."
Now, let me give you some statics from the CDC...
21.3% of adults over the age of 18 was diagnosed with Arthritis in 2010 (source)
Osteoporosis prevalence among women increased from 14% in 2007-2008 to 19.6% in 2017-2018 (source)
Cancer is the 2nd leading cause of death in the US. 1 of every 5 deaths is due to cancer. (source)
From 2009 to 2019, the age-adjusted heart disease death rate was higher for males than for females. (source)
The number of people living with Alzheimer's disease doubles every 5 years beyond age 65. This number is projected to nearly triple to 14 million people by 2060. (source)
This should give you an idea of where we're headed... Health in my eyes truly comes in unique ways and forms. In order for us to experience "health" I think, hands down it comes to our a day to day habits and livelihood. The "quick facts" hoopla (above) that you may see scattered all through the web and social media platforms, is mostly hogwash! I mean I can guess they're somewhat "real" numbers, however this is NOT the way we should be gaging our overall health and well-being.
So back to my new HEALTH notion. We all have "good health" in different forms. Some of us are fortunate to have minor family health history risks, while others have a long list. Then some, like myself are diagnosed with rare syndromes that are unrelated to anything at all.
No wonder our anxiety and depression rates are going up and up every year. There's so much uncertainty in this world and nowadays it's broadcasted everywhere, making it hard to escape. Oh and the technology these days can now tell us so much more information, that I'm not sure we should actually know about. But have no fear, there's a solution I'd like to open your mind to...
It's the idea that death is inevitable.
But health is RIGHT NOW!
If we can look at our lives in a more puzzle-like structure we can begin to understand why we are the way we are. There is no comparison between us. We can't reflect our health to what the numbers say or even our doctors. It takes a deeper connection with yourself to find the key to longevity and happiness. So, on that note. If you're in a situation where you know you need to make a change due to "not feeling normal." I would highly recommend taking the following steps to get started:
Write down the "issues". What are you unhappy about?
Write down goals you may have for the last decade of your life.
For 1 month be persistent with your water intake, getting adequate sleep, and socializing with friends who make you feel more alive.
EVERYDAY move your body intentionally! I can't stress this enough.
As a personal trainer, health coach and yoga instructor, I'm constantly overthinking ideas to help improve overall health. I try to go outside the box and link the "issue" to lack of nutrients or family history, past injuries etc. Which, mind you are relevant, however some things are inevitable like mentioned above. Now, I like to think along the lines of improving HAPPINESS.
So, on that note there's a reason you have made it through this entire blog post. You may be forced into it (my family members lol), you may have a fitness goals you're trying to reach, you may want to find a routine that makes you feel good or you may be a functional science nut like me. Whatever the reason I'm glad you're here! Through continuous research, connections and experiences I will do my part to best educate you on this journey through life.
YOGA, RESISTANCE TRAINING, DEEP BREATHING, OUTDOOR EXPLORATION and ART is my personal approach to living a more fulfilling and zestful life! Find what suits you. Stick to it. At the end of the day, you know it will be worth it in the end!