What is Good Health, Part 2Written by Loring A. Windblad
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I have an allergic reaction to all artificial sweeteners, such as aspartame. Prolonged use, say 1 cup of artificially sweetened international coffee or 1 diet soda a day for a month, will raise my blood pressure above 150. I have a similar reaction to prolonged use (two weeks or more) of all vitamins except Vitamins C and E. I have a very bad physical reaction to several prescription medications and food supplements which include tetracycline, biocyllin and amino acids. I used to get a Flu Shot every year – and I would get Flu 3 times a year. The first time was immediately after shot, second time was 3 months after shot and third time was 6 months after shot. I documented this for about 10 years and, after talking it over with my doctor, quit taking flu shots. I now get flu about once every 5 years or less and it doesn’t make me as sick as it used to make me. The things I do, however, are things that keep me healthy. These are walking regularly and playing golf. They also include taking 2000 units of Vitamin C daily for over 40 years, and taking 50 units each of both Zinc and Selenium once a week. And about middle of November every year I up Zinc and Selenium intake to 5-6 times a week. I play Santa at a mall every Christmas season for 4-5 weeks, and I come into contact with just about every disease and bug known to man during that period. Yet I seldom get sick, and when I do get sick I neither feel sick nor exhibit symptoms to those around me. I attribute this to Zinc and Selenium I take. I’ve been taking these for 8 years now, and in that time have only been sick once – and at that, no one around me knew I was sick. Each of us is different from one another; each of us must make our own personal health assessment. We must learn to recognize what our body is telling us about what is going on inside and why, and we must also learn which preventatives work and which don’t on an individual basis. In this article I’m telling you what works for me and why, and what doesn’t. It’s up to you to learn what works for you and what doesn’t and why. And then to do whatever it takes to maintain your health at optimum levels. Good luck and good health.
Loring Windblad has studied nutrition and exercise for more than 40 years, is a published author and freelance writer. His latest business endeavor is at http://www.organicgreens.us
| | What is Good Health, Part 1Written by Loring A. Windblad
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The main determinants of good health Biology -- genetic make-up (genes inherited from mother and father). Lifestyle habits -- such as a nutritious low-fat diet; enough exercise; sufficient, sound sleep; avoiding misuse of tobacco, alcohol and other drugs; motor-vehicle and traffic safety; healthy (safer) sexual practices; and stress-reduction. Emotional balance -- good self-esteem, feeling "in control" and able to forge intimate relationships. Economic and social wellbeing -- sufficient income for food and shelter; supportive networks (family, friends, colleagues). A health-promoting environment -- e.g., not excessively polluted, clean air and water, adequate sewage disposal. Access to adequate medical care when needed. Measuring health Since WHO definition of health came out, many have tried to measure its components, which isn't easy. By definition, people in "good health" have no diagnosable diseases, no significant symptoms of "dis-ease" (unwellness), feel "in control" of their lives, are energetic, satisfied with their social, sexual, occupational and personal existence. But even those with diagnosable diseases such as colitis or diabetes, may also feel well most of time. Or older people with osteoporosis or atherosclerosis may consider themselves “in excellent health for their age." Take as a further example a man who inherited a polycystic kidney disease that destroyed both kidneys by midlife. Even though he requires thrice-weekly dialysis (after two failed kidney transplants), he nonetheless enjoys a "healthy existence" in which he swims three times a week, walks to work and leads an active professional life. Similarly, a bank employee considers herself "healthy" even though she lost one breast to cancer 15 years ago, and suffers from carpal tunnel syndrome (pinched wrist nerve), for which she wears a splint at night. In contrast, we all know people with no physical disorders who complain about every little ache or transient pain. Just being fit isn't enough! In search of good health and longevity, many North Americans devote endless time and effort to fitness. They conscientiously jog, do aerobics, spend time on exercise bicycles, restrict cholesterol intake, avoid aluminum cookware and get medical checkups. Beyond its health benefits, some even view fitness as a way to ennoble soul, sometimes neglecting family and friends in effort. Fitness may become an end in itself rather than a way to enhance personal and professional life. Yet Ottawa Charter specifically states that "health is a means rather than an end in itself -- not object of living." As one University of Toronto expert puts it, "just being fit isn't it!" Although physical fitness -- muscular strength and flexibility -- is a prerequisite for wellbeing, fitness alone does not guarantee good health. Being physically fit when mentally unbalanced, "stressed out," socially isolated or emotionally disturbed does not add up to good health. Obsessive fitness addicts may consider slightest tinge of unwellness a slur on their character, making them feel guilty. Yet this kind of "blame victim" mentality is unhealthy. It is absurd to expect that all illness can be avoided simply by one's own efforts. See a related article by Loring Windblad, “What is good health, Part 2” for an overview of Loring’s health and what he specifically does to maintain that good health.
Loring Windblad has studied nutrition and exercise for more than 40 years, is a published author and freelance writer. His latest business endeavor is at http://www.organicgreens.us
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