Wellness of the 'BODY, MIND and SPIRIT' (Part 1 of 2)

My personal quest with regard to achieving a healthier life by balancing body, mind and spirit, has been an off and on again affair. The time journey has spanned more than fifty years, beginning at about the age of twelve.

Becoming a keen observer of the vast differences projected by fellow inhabitants of this earth, I began a conscious effort to explore and improve upon my perceived self. The benefits experienced through application of certain knowledge and practices, ultimately encouraged me to continue the learning process, and to share the information with anyone who displayed an interest.

Information available in abundance seems to point us to the fact that, by learning and practicing some very simple activities, we can greatly enhance our well being. Wellness is defined in Webster's II, New Riverside Dictionary–1994 as, "to be in good health." (Hmmm...What else could it possibly mean?)

Upon research, the reference to ‘three keys of focus’ repeatedly appear, in regard to optimum health. The mention of body, mind and spirit as separate entities of the self, forming a whole, seems a widely expressed belief; and the awareness along with integrating these parts, is a big step towards personal growth.

The Thorndike Barnhart Dictionary of 1952, defines body, mind and spirit as follows:

1. Body; the whole material part of a person. 
2. Mind; the part of a person that thinks, feels and wills.
3. Spirit; soul.

Optimum health, is directly associated with how well we administer to, and care for all our parts. Recommendations abound, so I have attempted through this writing to enlighten the reader with sound, simplistic information gathered through extensive research, practice and observations. 

"Never hurry; take plenty of exercise; always be cheerful, and take all the sleep you need, and you may expect to be well." — J. F. Clarke

In our every day hurried life, we tend to neglect the body in many ways. One of these ways is by not providing adequate exercise. Physical exercise should not be confused with hard labor; exercise will enhance the body, hard labor will wear it down. Often, I hear people wave off the thought of exercise by saying that they get enough of it at work. These same people are sickly, flabby, posses low energy and are devoid of any perceivable muscle tone; so, how is it possible that they are truly getting the benefit of exercise through their work?

Exercise, is an important factor to consider when seeking to enhance wellness in the body. Charles B. Inlander, president of Peoples Medical Society, states in his book Men's Health and Wellness  "Exercise helps speed digestion and quickly move along any possible harmful chemicals in the digestive tract." Obviously, the more quickly our bodies eliminate harmful substances, the better it is for us.

Mark Lafferty, Ph.D., Exercise Program Coordinator at Delaware Technical and Community College states:

It doesn't require an abundance of time in order to help prevent cardiovascular disease with aerobic activity. Twenty minutes of aerobic exercise, three times per week, will have rewards.

Mark also stated in my interview with him, that “for fitness, only slightly more time is required”. His advice concurs with the recommendations of The American Medical Association which reports exercise to be good for your heart, arteries and veins, lungs, diabetics, weight control, bones, cancer prevention and emotional well-being.

The AMA also states, " One should always consult with their doctor before beginning any exercise program." Interested individuals may check their Web-site @ www.americanmedicalassociation.com where a wealth of information is offered at no cost to the general public. 

A healthy body is a guestchamber for the soul; a sick body is a prison. - Bacon, The Advancement of Learning

Nutrition is also a very important aspect when seeking wellness. Proper dietary habits are essential according to the experts in the field of health sciences. An old adage indicates that, "We are what we eat" perhaps that's why many of us resemble a cow; I didn't think it had anything to do with the evolutionary process…

Charles B. Inlander, cited above, echoes the sentiments of the health community when he offers the following advice in relationship to the disease/nutrition connection:

• Studies show that people who consume more vegetables are less likely to  develop prostate cancer.
• A low fat intake may help prevent the spread of acquired cancer. (Dietary fat is thought to increase the amount of bile in the colon, which may damage the lining of the organ.)
• Vitamin E can reduce risk of cancer by 34%.
• A high fiber diet aids digestion of food, and elimination of waste.
• Beta-carotene rich vegetables may lower cancer risk.
• Lycopene, in tomatoes, may help prevent cancer.

The above reference to cancer is given only as a sampling of the abundance of information available in relationship to disease prevention and control by use of nutritional adjustments to the diet.

There exists a host of educational sites on the World Wide Web to help you with your search for better health. Just key in diet and nutrition, at any of the popular search engines and you will get a long list of sites quicker than you can consume a Twinkie.

In general, mankind, since the improvement of cookery, eat twice as much as nature requires.– Benjamin Franklin

END (Part 1)

Have a Healthy and Happy Day

@averageoutsider