Article #1:
Discussions/Questions (from
readers of my book or in general): Dr. Glen, I'd like you to address the
concept which was recently in the media: “Hunting for Health, Wellbeing, and
Quality of Life.” Health, well-being, quality of life, and lifestyle are
central concepts within health science, although generally accepted definitions
are still lacking. Lifestyle can either be seen as an independent variable and
the cause of unhealthy behavior or as a dependent variable, which is affected
by conditions in the society. In the first case, the attention is directed on each
individual case: maintaining or improving health requires changes in lifestyle
and living habits. In this perspective, diet and physical activity are
important features for health promotion. In the second case the attention is
rather directed on structural conditions in society, for example the food
industry, the lunches for children at school, and the “fast food” industry
should be influenced to protect human health. The structural perspective has,
so far, received restricted impact when it concerns prevention and promotion of
health. Processes of individualization in the society have to an increasing
extent viewed health as an affair for the individual. The benefits of physical
activity, healthy food and beverage, social support, and joy are documented scientifically.
In general, the trend towards increasing responsibility for one's lifestyle and
health is positive, but might reinforce the inequality in health. With an even
harder climate in society there might be a risk that individual health projects
undermine the solidarity and the will to accept costs for medical treatment and
care for people who risk their health through an unhealthy and risk-taking
lifestyle. However, we argue that peoples’ well-being and quality of life
presupposes a society that stands up for all people.
Response: Great commentary J.,
thanks so much for sharing. Humbly and respectfully, the modern Diathesis
Stress Model sets forth tenets which associate to our health, i.e., genetic
effects, environmental effects, and what each one of us does or doesn't do with
regard to our health and well-being (how we eat, do or don't exercise, and do
or don't deal with stress).
In contrast, though not in
disagreement, the ages-old health/wellness philosophy that I teach, coach, and
endeavor to follow, sets for its outlook on True Health through True
Responsibility (i.e., the Bright Beautiful School of Thought/Ming Chia - as set
forth in my new book…A Glimpse of Heaven: The Philosophy of True Health): NOT
taking responsibility for one's own health/well-being is the real/true disease
in most cases, i.e.: the TRUE disease is in not embracing an adequate/truly
healthful aerobic exercise/mobility WAY OF LIFE; the TRUE disease is in not
realizing a truly healthful dietary WAY OF LIFE; the TRUE disease in in not
enjoying a truly healthful stress/anxiety-controlling WAY OF LIFE (which is
inclusive or refined meditation and all-of-the-time diaphragmatic breathing).
Most of the time, what we conventionally perceive to be chronic disease, is the
RESULT/symptom(s) of the REAL disease...mentioned as set forth above. This is
not to say that health problems/lightning bolts cannot still strike…albeit,
MUCH less so. –
Dr. Glen Hepker
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