When most people think of health care reform, they think of medical care that may include cancer care, heart, Alzheimer’s, lupus, and other health care needs. Sick care. There are times we all need this type of care, but with chronic health issues on the rise, more and more we need to take further responsibility for our own care. That’s what I call health care, or preventative care. We hear about it, we talk about it in spurts, we may even know a little about it, but as a society we don’t embrace it.
What I am taking about here is taking care of our mind, emotions, body and spirit, since they are not separate entities, but rather in my experience are always working together to find balance and harmony. I will spend a few sentences discussing each, and then provide a summary.
There has been so much written about nutrition, that there is almost nothing left to be said. Diet this, don’t eat that, juice this. We eat foods that contain chemicals that we never used to consume 100’s of years in the past. These chemicals and others from our water and air are new to our bodies. It makes sense then to eat the cleanest food possible, and to buy a good water filter system for our homes. Finally eating a balanced diet, incorporating seasonal foods, as well as foods grown in your area seems to be the easiest and best alternative to eating right. Forget diet, this is your life, not a semester at school.
Exercise in moderation. Get a fitness trainer if you feel uncomfortable with the gym and equipment, or just don’t know where to start, and work with your body to find its rhythm. Don’t push it. Forget what your gym teacher said. Learn to listen to your body.
Either for maintenance or if you are having health issues find a good support system. I have tried and done it all; acupuncture, massage, cranio-sacral therapy, chiropractic, myofascial therapy, etc. Each has it’s place, and each one will effect your whole being, and your total health. I personally go to a Chiropractor once a month, not because I have back problems, but because it helps everything flow, as well as helping my mind, and emotions.
Learn to take care of yourself. As I went through my counseling program I heard that a lot. “Take care of yourself.” But what does that mean? To me it can mean things like diet, exercise, massage, yoga, but it also means taking time for myself; meditation, prayer, reading a book, a walk in nature, a nice bath, and if you have the facility, sauna. To go along with this I will add counseling and other care techniques, which can include breath, biofeedback, and relaxation techniques, some of which you can do on your own. Our minds are powerful tools, and too often lack the training to help us live happier, healthier lives. Acknowledge your thoughts, and “issues” that come up for you; bless them, and then decide if you want to continue to hold on to them. You have more choice then you may believe.
