The term “health and wellness” conjures up different images and meanings for each of us. Its interpretation varies significantly among professionals like personal trainers, nurses, yoga instructors, and medical doctors. Even within the medical field, perspectives differ based on specialty – a pediatrician views health differently from a geriatrician.
Contrasting Health Metrics: Children vs. Seniors
Consider the pediatrician’s office, where the focus for a young child includes metrics like physical growth and environmental safety. Questions about growth curve progression, the use of car seats, bike helmets, and the home environment (free from abuse or second-hand smoke) are standard.
Contrast this with a visit to a geriatrician. Here, the emphasis shifts to managing diseases, medication, and monitoring for loss of muscle and bone, or increased body fat. Geriatric assessments often include evaluating blood pressure, blood glucose levels, and risks of conditions like hypertension or diabetes. But they also extend to physical growth changes and environmental safety, albeit in a different context than for children.
The Expanding Scope of Health Metrics
These measurements are crucial for assessing health at different life stages. However, the breadth of factors to be considered grows substantially from childhood to older age. This expansion explains why physicians often struggle to cover all aspects of well-being in a short medical appointment.
Our Perspective: A Holistic Approach to Well-Being
We champion a holistic approach to promote overall well-being. It’s not just about managing diseases and medications. True wellness encompasses a broader spectrum, where neglecting even a single aspect can impact overall health:
- Physical Activity/Exercise
- Nutrition and Hydration
- Sleep/Rest and Physical Recovery
- Mental/Cognitive Balance
- Social/Emotional Support
- Religious/Spiritual Connection
- Substance Management (including smoking, alcohol, drugs)
- Disease/Disability and Medication Management
- Environment/Safety
Each of these elements plays a vital role in an individual’s ability to thrive.
Your Health and Wellness Journey
We invite you to reflect: What does health and wellness mean to you? How do you balance these various elements in your daily life? Join us in a conversation about redefining wellness and share your thoughts on how you achieve a harmonious blend of these essential facets in your life
