What is “health?”
Before we dive deeper into the details behind wellness and fitness, we need to define what it truly means to be healthy. What is “health?” Being healthy is so much more than “not sick.” If we draw a graph, health encompasses a continuum of sickness, wellness, and fitness. We believe that the fundamentals of health include a balanced approach to movement, nutrition, sleep, stress management, and social connection. We are continually balancing these fundamental
Move More
Humans were designed with regular, daily, movement in mind which includes full, active ranges of motion that are pain-free. Movement is something we take for granted until it is gone. It is not unreasonable to believe that you can possess the range of motion necessary to squat to sit in a chair or in your car, bend over to pick up your child, and lift/press heavy objects overhead, all without pain. So often in life, we believe that losing range of motion and strength alongside the development of pain with movement as part of the natural aging process which is simply not true. The best way to maintain functional, pain-free movement throughout your life is to perform it as often as possible, 3-5 days per week.
Food Is Fuel
Regarding nutrition, it is important that we begin to view food as fuel. Our food is the catalyst to many of the changes, good or bad, inside of our
Don’t Lose Sight of Sleep
It has been said that sleep is the
Don’t Stress It
Management of stress, both physical and mental, is crucial for balanced health. Physical stress at work and at home can lead to overuse injuries while accumulating mental stressors can affect our emotions but also our physical health. Stress or even perceived stress can drastically alter our cardiovascular and nervous systems. The proper management of our stressors with exercise, diet, sleep alongside other modalities like meditation and breathing exercises can help balance our stress.
“Laughter is the best medicine” is rooted in a strong scientific basis. Time spent with friends and family is crucial for more balanced health. Social connection, laughter, and touch release a variety of hormones and neurotransmitters. When we spend time together, natural pain-killing chemicals called endorphins are released, producing a sense of happiness and euphoria. When we hug, laugh, and high-five, the neuropeptide oxytocin is released, reducing blood pressure, anxiety, and feelings of depression. Finally, laughing and having fun releases serotonin, a neurotransmitter that has effects across the body, but most notably in making us feel happier.
Life Is About Balance
Movement, nutrition, sleep, stress management
- Dr. Mitch Babcock, PT, DPT, CF-L2
- Dr. Alan Fredendall, PT, DPT, CF-L2
- Billy Glowacki, B.S., Pn1, CF-L1