Is it possible to achieve total health, and what does that truly mean? That’s the question raised in a recent Forbes article. It has good food for thought for anyone that wants to improve their health and have a belief that they can reach a theoretical perfect state.

Health is a life-long effort, and if we are realistic with ourselves we cannot maintain perfect health forever. We all get sick and we all will die. A saner viewpoint of health is taking actions that will lead to a qualitatively better health despite the limitations of our bodies and minds. Some people are predisposed to different diseases.

The World Health Organization defined health back in 1948 as “a state of complete mental, physical and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” But this definition isn’t as accurate as it used to be. Someone who is disabled, for instance, can have fantastic mental and social health in spite of their bodily disability. Depending on the disability, they may be able to many of the things a non-disabled person can do. Yet by this definition they still wouldn’t be healthy.

Considering the vast amount of money we are spending on health these days, it may be helpful to take a step back and realistically assess just what health is for each of us. The theory of perfect health isn’t one that is achievable. Let’s see what might be instead.

If you need advice on how to improve your health in spite of your limitations, contact Frank Tortorici.