For some reason, I often incorrectly hear, “Information about health always changes.” This is completely FALSE. Health is not a problem to be fixed but an opportunity to enjoy.
What causes health, has been and always will be the same. Information about causes and cures for disease may evolve as we learn more about what cause difficulties, and causes of health may enlarge, but things that are health causing stay health causing.
What causes health,which is defined by the World Health Organization as the “state of complete physical, mental and social, well-being, and not merely the absence of disease and infirmity” (WHO, 1948) does not and will not change.
Humans can become more healthy and not just less sick in many ways, such as:
- Physical: Exerting energy by being physically active so our heart, lungs and physical system grow stronger and work better. Physical is also intimately related to our nutrition intake. Eating real food, not processed food, including animal based foods, causes us to be healthier. Physical well-being also has a secondary benefit, an improved immune function, thus better physical well-being is an effective way to prevent problems.
- Mental: Personal development, learning more, constantly challenging ourselves to learn and do more things increases mental well-being. It also provides a path to help us develop purpose and meaning in life. A purpose and meaning relates to emotional well-being which benefits physical, mental and social well-being. All our states are interrelated and interdependent.
- Social: Creating connections to people and organizations and learning how to improve and share in the journey of our lives that facilitates our purpose and meaning enhances social well-being.
What makes or causes health, what is termed salutogenesis – the orgins of health, also effectively, as a secondary benefit, prevents problems. If it is not enough to just prevent problems we must cause physical, mental and social well-being to happen. There will always be uncertainty in life, enhancing our health provides us with the immediate benefit of feeling good for doing good, and it enables us or give us the ability to recover if something does happen.
For example, I was in a near fatal car accident in 1984 when I was 17. At the time I had excellent physical, mental and social well-being. Because I had previously caused health, I was able to recover and do what I do today. If I had only been motivated to be healthy in case something bad would happen, it is unlikely I would be here today.
Cause health, as has always been the way, by making your physical, mental and social well-being the best it can be. Doing so gives you a better today and tomorrow, and also protects you when life becomes difficult.
I look forward to hearing how you make today and tomorrow better by acting now!
Make it a great week!
Be Well’r,
Craig Becker
Be selfish, selfless, & synergistic so everyone and everything benefits!
If you want to contact me:
Email: BeWellr@gmail.com
Positive Health Leadership 
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