It takes effort and knowledge, and those who assume they will just stay healthy without making an effort will soon find their health faltering. Maintaining good health can be a challenge especially in this toxic and stressful times. What we were able to tolerate as a child or young adult might have a totally different affect later. It will also takes more effort to maintain healthy habits as life gets hectic. When we are children we are filled with boundless energy, making healthy exercise nothing more than a side effect of a healthy play-filled life. Later on we have responsibilities that take up our time. Though it becomes more of a challenge to be active and enjoy good health, it must remain a top priority.
There are several factors that play a role in maintaining good health. Achieving a balance of each of these factors is essential. Good nutrition is one of the best ways to stay healthy or restore health, but it can also be frustrating and confusing. This is because there really are NO RULES that everyone should follow. There are also a myriad of healthy foods that can create problems for individuals. Creating a customized diet includes determining what foods lead to toxicity for you. Functional Tests such as the GI microbiology or Elisa or nutritonal panels or can help with this, making it possible to create a completely individualized eating plan that allows for optimal health.
Finding the Root
Another challenge is understanding the root cause of any health problems you might experience. Again, the tests can help with this process, especially if what you are experiencing is caused by an imbalance or food toxicity. All too often doctors treat a patient's symptoms and neglect to find the root cause of a problem. Though an individual symptom might be quelled, the problem still exists and other symptoms are sure to arise and worsen.
The best way to achieve optimal health is to make lifestyle changes. Taking a medication or “going on a diet” is not going to solve anything long-term. In many cases it can create problems worse than the original issue. Instead of trying to solve one small thing, consider how you can make overall improvements in your health. The side effects of healthy changes are usually vast. For instance, assume you have been diagnosed with an extremely treatable form of cancer that may be related to being overweight. In addition to your primary therapy, you should also make dietary and fitness improvements, even if the relation to your weight is not beyond a doubt (there are some doctors who are not convinced weight plays a role in cancer, though they are becoming increasingly rare). This will help you reduce your weight, which will decrease your risk for recurrent cancer. Losing weight also helps your hormones come into balance, further reducing your risk for certain types of cancer. The weight loss and fitness regimen also decreases your risk of heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. You will also see improvements if you suffered from migraines, stiff joints, fatigue, mood disorders, and skin disorders. You have made a sweeping change, and though intended to help you battle a very specific form of cancer, has helped you create a much healthier lifestyle.
Managing stress is another important part of maintaining optimal health. Estimates from the National Health Interview Survey show that every three out of four people deal with at least moderate stress every two weeks. Worker's compensation claims for mental stress rose steadily over the last three decades. Chronic stress contributes to high blood pressure, heart disease, and many other illnesses. It can also zap a person's motivation to maintain healthy habits. Eliminating stress completely is impossible, but learning to manage it is imperative for maintaining optimal health. I have found acupuncture treatments very helpful in assisting clients grappling with stress.
Prepare for Success
As the year ends and new one begins you are faced with an opportunity to make a fresh start. It is the perfect time to make healthy resolutions and approach the New Year with a healthy outlook. Achieving success with your resolutions requires preparation and planning. Too many people create resolutions only to return to old, unhealthy habits within a few weeks or months. Set yourself up for success and you are more likely to succeed. Surround yourself with healthy people who share your desire to achieve optimal health. Instead of burdening yourself with numerous goals for the New Year, set forth a plan to live your healthiest life, whatever that means for you. If the decisions you make in the New Year all focus on achieving better health, you will be successful in creating a healthier life.
We are here to assist you in achieving your 2013 health goals. Happy New Year!
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