What is health? First, let's look at what health is NOT: Health is not just feeling good. Certainly feeling good is a bonus to good health. However most of us are aware of someone who felt good at the same time they were diagnosed with a serious disease. Health is not depending on drugs to maintain normal function.



Health is not being free from pain. "Health is the state of wellbeing where the body is functioning as close as possible to its optimal level with no dependence on chemical or other products to maintain this state." A healthy body is your best defense against all diseases.

There are many things you can do to improve the quality of your health: Regular exercise, sunshine, fresh fruits and vegetables, good nutrition, adequate water, rest, peace of mind.

Health is further enhanced by keeping the body free form toxic and harmful substances such as tobacco and alcohol and drugs.

Health is often the result of recognizing that the body is a magnificent machine, and caring for it as such.

Health is avoiding stress. Health is best preserved by avoiding drastic invasive measures. Many invasive procedures compromise the quality of your health.

Health requirements can vary with your location. Living in a cold freezing climate can put greater demands on your health than living on a sunny tropical island.

Words commonly associated with health are: vigor, vitality, energy, stamina, performance. These are typical indications of good health.

The level of optimal health can vary from person to person depending on age. You would not expect the same level of performance from an 18 year old as you would expect from a 60 year old.

The human body does not come with a specific owners manual. However, the annals of human history give a good indication as to what contributes to good health.

We are aware that there are a few factors affecting our heath that we have no control over. For example genetic predisposition, living on depleted or tainted soil, familial issues affecting prenatal and postnatal development of a child. This article does not ignore the importance of the situation. We are thankful that steps are being taken to keep this to a minimum.

However, the greatest factor in determining your health is what you do to protect it. The human body is a versatile and adaptable machine. Many individuals that were born with apparent deficits have been able to improve their health and achieve normal function by consistent good care. To a great extent, your health is in your hands. It becomes what you make of it.

Health is your most valuable asset. Guard it with all your life. Without Health, all the wealth and possessions in the world are worthless.

Final quote: Take care of your health while you still can. The value of health is too often recognized only after it is lost.