Your Health is Most Important Wealth for You

Health is the asset of highest order and one has to start investing/ caring for it as early in life as possible since there may be chances that one may not get time even to repent. If one does not invest in it, he or she may have to lead an unhealthy life, irrespective of unlimited money he or she has accumulated in the life. Fortunately to lead an optimal health, first time in the history, unique support in the form of ‘best of nature best of science’ is available now.

In line with it Dr.Duke Jonson MD of world famous ‘Nutrlite Health Institutes’ USA hasstipulated “8 pillars of optimum health” in his book ‘Optimum Health Revolution’. Same are appended below in general interest.

8 Pillars of Optimum Health:

Traditionally good health consists of positive mental attitude, regular exercise, adequate rest and nutritious food. However, Optimal- health revolution of Dr Duke Johnsion MD, of USA recommends 8 pillars of optimum health. They are described in brief as under:

1. Reduce your risk for chronic diseases: A risk factor is any life style or biological quality or characteristic that can increase your likelihood of developing a disease. For example smoking is a risk factor for lung cancer. The risk factor for heart disease, cancer, obesity and diabetes are many and known to us. Therefore reduce risk factors.

2. Exercise: Exercise does not require a lot of time and money. There is substantial evidence that “daily exercises” are beneficial for reducing risk of chronic diseases. Here are some examples of changing life style for exercises through routine living habits:

3. • Take stairs instead of escalator.
   • Park on outer lot of the park and walk from there
   • Carry your luggage instead of using a trolley
   • Buy a walk behind lawn mover instead of riding one or any such thing which gives you a chance to sweat.
   • If you take train or a bus to work, get off a few block away and walk.
   • Take a walk or play out doors with your kids.
4. Good macro nutrition: Macro nutrition describes the nutrients that make up most of our nutritional intake by weight- carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. Good nutrition consists of eating the right type and percentages of these nutrients.

   American Institute of Medicine recommends that the ranges of macronutrients for adults should be: .45-65 % carbohydrates, 20-35% fats and 10 to 35% proteins .A balance diet should also include good daily source of fiber.
   Wash and wipe thoroughly the fruits and vegetables to reduce risk of pesticide residue which out weighs the benefit of organic foods.

   Keep eating your seven to nine servings (or more) of fruits and vegetables daily because their massive phyto-nutrient loads seem to be of greater benefit than the risk of the chemicals they may contain. Fruit and vegetables are themselves anti-inflammatory.

5. Good micro nutrition:If macronutrients relates to bulk of your diet, micronutrients comes in tiny but critical amounts in our foods. This not only includes vitamins and minerals but, also phyto-nutrients. Phyto-nutrients are active nutrients found in plants that are not defined as vitamins or minerals, for example, lycopene. As with vitamins and minerals, we can also get phyto-nutrients from food supplements, though it is best to get as many micronutrients as possible from food; that is big part of the definition of healthy diet. There is vast body of research literature that points out for the need of supplementation for virtually every one living in the developed world. In short, most of us need supplementation to win optimal health.
6. Mind /spirit /positive attitude/personal faith: It is known for years that happy and hopeful people are generally healthier and longer lived than perennially depressed , angry, fearful. These phenomena are not miraculous. Recent scientific research has finally been able to pin point physiological cause and effect. Depression triggers two hormonal pathways that worsen our overall health. There are 1200 studies that reveal that people with sound committed faith live longer and better. There is no doubt that our mental and spiritual health affect our physiological health.
7. Adequate rest: Out of our eight pillars, this may need the most shoring up. People in modern civilization don’t get enough sleep .There are many biochemical reactions that occur during rest that are essential for both physical and mental health. For example hormone leptin and ghrelin are affected by the amount of sleep we get. Sleep deprivation is associated with decreased leptin level and elevated ghererin levels, both of which result in increased appetite. Little more sleep may result in little less compulsive eating.
8. Good medical care: If you have not seen doctor for last twenty years, how can you know whether your health is deteriorating or not? This is another example of people thinking, there are only a couple of risk factors that stand in the way of good/optimal health. In fact there are several risk factors for heart disease and cancer that can only be assessed by physicians through various tests for early detection of diseases.Have friendly relationship with a well trained physician who values preventive medicine. Be informed participant in your own health care. Have regular check ups.
9. Healthy environment and good hygiene: Air pollution is associated with many upper respiratory diseases and cancers. It has even associated with an increased risk of heart disease. One solution to the problem could be go and stay in Antarctica. But this is not viable. So, idea is to think globally and act locally. If you can’t avoid air pollution in your residence or work place, you may want to consider good air treatment system for your home and you may lobby for one in your office. There have been many horror stories of contamination in water supplies that might be discovered long after people had suffered significant exposure.

Some most dramatic cases have occurred in china. China’s economy has boomed in last twenty years but economic benefits have increased water and air pollution. Such incidents of water and air pollutions have been reported in India and even in Jaipur. Though there are good source of municipal water, the only water I trust is water filtered at home. You need to be very careful of bottled water, because it may not be safer than your own tap water. There are some good bottle water companies but lot of this is just tap water. Another problem with bottled water is the plastic container it comes in. Unless you know that bottled water is filtered, save your money. Better buy your own purifier. The best ones are usually a little more expensive, or you should replace your filters often.

Please feel free to ask any clarification on the subject.

Wish you optimal health.

Compiled by
Major P L Devand (Retd)
(Certified Team Leader healthy for life program)
Ex Chairman Railway Recruitment Board Ajmer.