Feeling vs Function (Wellness, being healthy, good body function)

Dr Michael Szabo, chiropractor, discusses - What is a more important predictor of health – how you feel or how your body functions?

Most people are indoctrinated into a belief system that teaches us that when we have no pain, we are well and healthy. And when we have a symptom, then we are not healthy. However, this can be a very myopic view of what health really is.

Have you ever heard of anyone who, has never had an ache or pain and then suddenly dies of a heart attack, or who is diagnosed with cancer?

Looking at the WHO’s definition (which has prevailed since 1948), health is defined as “a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.”

Any dictionary in the world will define health with a similar sentiment.

As you can see, health has very little, or nothing, to do with whether you are experiencing symptoms, yet in our society, health is defined by how we feel.

Could this be one of the fundamental reasons why there is escalating preventable diseases occurring every year?

In 1974, the LaLonde Report, which was produced in Canada and considered to be the first report of its kind acknowledged by a major industrialised nation, stated that health is determined by more than just biological factors. It proposed that health is dependent upon four related aspects - biology, environment, lifestyle and access to healthcare services. Furthermore, it emphasized lifestyle and personal responsibility and found that determinants of health existed outside of the health care system.

Basically, what all of this amounts to, is that health is determined more by how you function, and the lifestyle you lead, rather than how you feel. Moreover, biological factors, including your genetic constitution, are only one of the elements that contribute to your health.

Until we understand what real health is, and begin taking responsibility for our own health (rather than waiting to lose our health i.e. get sick, and rely primarily on a health-care system whose primary tools are drugs and surgery) we are likely to continue to see rising mortality and morbidity rates as a result of largely preventable illnesses.

Put simply, you can take control of your health by maintaining optimal function of your body, and living a lifestyle congruent with the laws of nature – i.e. eating, moving and thinking well.

The Chiropractors at Greensborough Family Chiropractic are holistic chiropractors who work with you to help you regain your health, and beyond that at your request work toward maintaining optimal well-being, through Chiropractic care and adjustments, as well as advice on diet, exercise and healthy lifestyle choices.

Call our friendly team on 03 9432-4644 to book an appointment or communicate with our chiropractors through the "request a callback or ask a question form on our chironeurorehab.com.au website"