Condition Spotlight
Wellness is a modern word with ancient roots. The key tenets of wellness as both preventive and holistic can be traced back to ancient civilizations from the East (India, China) to the West (Greece, Rome). In 19th-century Europe and the United States, a variety of intellectual, religious and medical movements developed in parallel with conventional medicine. With their focus on holistic and natural approaches, self-healing and preventive care, these movements have provided a firm foundation for wellness today.
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The holidays are upon us, and while it’s a joyful time of year, it can also be highly stressful. While we’re busy decking the halls and checking off gift lists, our own well-being often falls Read More
Have you ever noticed that when there’s a bug around your office, not everyone gets sick? Somebody is out for 10 days, someone else for a half day and some people don’t even get sidelined at Read More
For those who suffer from constipation, they experience bowel movements that either occur less often than expected or pass stools that are hard, dry, and difficult to pass. Most of the time, constipation is not Read More
Eating a healthy diet and staying active are key to supporting your immune system. It is especially important to add plenty of fruits and vegetables to your daily diet. As you look to guide your Read More
In today’s busy world, it can be tough to balance work, household duties, and quality time with loved ones. But at the heart of it all, your family’s health is what matters most. So how Read More
Cinnamon is a popular spice, known for its fragrant aroma and ability to enhance flavors in foods and beverages–from your morning coffee to your favorite dessert. But its benefits extend far beyond the kitchen, into Read More
Selecting the right doctor is a critical step to maintaining your health and well-being. A good physician will provide excellent care and make sure you feel comfortable, cared for, and understood. Knowing when it’s time Read More
The immune system is a remarkable defense mechanism, tirelessly working to protect us from infections, eliminate harmful cells, and maintain our well-being. And in light of the recent pandemic, it’s become even clearer that a Read More
Warmer weather is approaching, and with it comes a new growing season for trees and grass; flowers start to bloom, and pollen hits the air. Although the warmth is a welcome change, the shift from Read More
Wellness is the act of practicing healthy habits on a daily basis to attain better physical and mental health outcomes, so that instead of just surviving, you’re thriving!
To understand it’s significance, it is important to understand how it’s linked to health. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), health is defined as being “a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.”
There are two important aspects to this definition. First, wellness is not a passive or static state but rather an “active pursuit” that is associated with intentions, choices and actions as we work toward an optimal state of health and wellbeing. Second, it is linked to holistic health—that is, it extends beyond physical health and incorporates many different dimensions that should work in harmony.
Wellness is an individual pursuit—we have self-responsibility for our own choices, behaviors and lifestyles—but it is also significantly influenced by the physical, social and cultural environments in which we live.
Wellness is often confused with terms such as health, wellbeing and happiness. While there are common elements among them, wellness is distinguished by not referring to a static state of being (i.e., being happy, in good health, or a state of wellbeing). Rather, wellness is associated with an active process of being aware and making choices that lead toward an outcome of optimal holistic health and wellbeing.
