What is the true definition of the word "Health"?
Malgorzata Sypien, M.D., FAAFP, Integrative Family Practice, Chicago IL
There is so much medical and technical information available about the factors that contribute to health and how to optimize and improve it. But what is health, really?
I suspect most people would define health as “the absence of disease.” The Merriam-Webster dictionary states – “Heath is the condition of being sound in body, mind, or spirit; especially: freedom from physical disease or pain.”
Dr. Sypien has evaluated hundreds of patients at Integrative Family Practice and has noticed certain trends of health that exist based on an individual’s general health and attitude toward life. There are those that are generally in good health with a deficient attitude, some that have failing health with an overall cheerful attitude and those few with great overall health and an outstanding attitude toward life.
Of course, most of us would love to have great health & an outstanding attitude; however this is not always attainable.
When “perfect health” isn’t possible
Each of our particular lifestyles will typically have a dramatic effect on our overall health picture however there are many cases where heredity simply minimizes our ability to control our health condition. One of the key factors that can help improve our health is attitude toward life and happiness which many times can be distorted by a poor health condition. Therefore, it is important to focus on the power we have over our mind, body and soul as this can a profound effect on our physical health.
It is important for us to realize that we can indeed change our course of health by being focused on bringing more joy, pleasure, and meaning into our daily lives. For instance your health may improve dramatically simply by spending more time with friends, taking regular long walks, embarking on spiritual endeavors, volunteering or engaging the mind through hobbies or further education.
Take control of your health
When we are so consumed by our health most of the time, we are fixated on figuring out the root cause of our illness through doctors & medication. While these things are most certainly a critical part of the “mix” for good health, we also need to complete the circle by engaging our mind, body and spirit, allowing our body’s natural healing power to take over through positive energy. The human body is a mysterious entity and capable of more than we know… if we can just learn to engage it.
Questions about how to improve your overall health?
Contact Integrative Family Practice today at (773) 205-2555 and let us provide you with a comprehensive integrative health plan tailored to your lifestyle.