Resource Library
Powered by:  |
|
|
|
||
| Krames Index |
 Print This Article
|
|
What is Wellness? Wellness is being the best you can be. It's more than just being free from illness. It's saying, "I'm in control of my life and of my health. My choices do count." Wellness is a positive state of physical, mental, and social health. It comes from making many small lifestyle changes in three areas: your body, your mind, and your social connections. The Lifestyle Connection The lifestyle choices you make every day make a difference. What you eat, your exercise habits, how you interact with others, whether or not you use drugs or alcohol are all important choices. They can affect whether or not you stay healthy and live a long, active life. Of course, your family's healthy history plays a part in your health, as well. However, its role can be decreased by good lifestyle choices. Risk Factors Unhealthy lifestyle choices create "risk factors." They contribute to illness. For example, eating a high-fat diet and cigarette smoking are risk factors. Some combinations of risks can add up to more than the sum of their parts. For instance, a person with a family history of heart disease greatly increases his risk of heart disease by smoking and eating a high-fat diet. Three common risk factors are high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, and cigarette smoking. High blood pressure is generally 140/90 or greater. High blood pressure is a major risk factor for stroke, heart disease, and other health problems. What can you do to help prevent or reduce high blood pressure? Quit smoking. Lose excess weight. Don't drink too much alcohol. Exercise regularly. Limit your salt intake. Blood cholesterol above 240 mg/dl is a risk factor for stroke and heart disease. How can you lower you cholesterol? Eat a low-fat, low-cholesterol diet. Exercise regularly. Stop smoking and lose excess weight. Cigarette smoking can cause cancer, heart disease, lung disease, and other serious illnesses. No matter how long you've smoked, quitting will dramatically improve your health status. Other risk factors include lack of exercise, too much stress, poor eating habits, being overweight, and unsafe behaviors, such as driving without a seatbelt or substance abuse.
Only your doctor can diagnose and treat a medical problem. ©1998 The StayWell Company, 1100 Grundy Lane, San Bruno, CA 94066-3030. www.staywell.com 800 333-3032. All rights reserved. |
