Health First
I’ll return to the Leadership and Management posts soon, but I wanted to revisit some concepts that were written about in my column with the RMAX Magazine. This was first published in Volume 5, Issue 4.
Dear Friends – RMAXers,
The health-first doctrine is an inseparable aspect of the RMAX physical culture paradigm. Every athlete who practices Circular Strength Training®, from newbie to RMAX Head Coach, is directed to put health first in their training as well as in their lives. In my thirteen years of clinical practice I have come to realize that, while many people seek it, health isn’t well defined for most.
A patient says, “My right knee hurts, but it’s just old age.” I think to myself, “Isn’t the left knee the same age as the right one?”
A patient says, “My parents and older siblings all have Type II diabetes, so it’s just a matter of time before I get it too.” I think to myself, “There may be some genetic tendencies at play here, but perhaps part of the problem is that as a family you all share the same eating and exercise habits. What if you could take actions which might prevent this disease process?”
A patient says, “My other doc tells me there’s nothing that can be done about my problem.” I think to myself, “I was a top student, and yet I still missed some test questions. Maybe the doctor who saw him also missed a few questions, and just doesn’t know the right answer for this patient’s health concern.” It’s always worth a second look.
A patient says, “Every runner I know has ankle, knee, or hip problems.” I think to myself, “I know people who’ve run for years without suffering from any running-related problems. What if this patient and all of her running friends suffer from bad technique instead of from inevitable injuries?”
Lots of people say, “Getting old is rough.” I think to myself, “No it isn’t. Getting sick, weak, and being unable to move is rough. Growing old doesn’t have to involve any of that.” As a case in point, one of my patients put a new roof on her house by herself at the age of 83! She’s just one example of people who maintain their health well into their later years. Jack La Lanne is a more well-known example of the health that can be created and maintained with age.
I think you get the idea. The comments above all came from real people. For some of them, as soon as I pointed out that there might be a flaw in their logic, they took steps to change their lives. Their problem was that they simply didn’t know any better, or where to start.
Patients like these taught me that sometimes even the people who are trying to put health first don’t know what health is. We tend to accept the common as normal, but sometimes normal and healthy are at different ends of the spectrum. I’m as guilty as the next person when it comes to rationalizing a symptom away. Like many of you, I’ve experienced being in denial about the effects that certain habits were having on me. Learning what health is and having mentors who live in a health-first manner can help all of us to overcome those negative actions that undermine us.
So what is health? According to the World Health Organization, “Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” That statement was published in 1948, but it’s no less true today.
Because we at RMAX believe in the “health first and forever” paradigm, this column has been created to explore what health is. Each issue will concentrate on one aspect of health, as well as signs and symptoms that might be present when health is not optimal. Sometimes things outside of our control affect our health, but this column will not dwell on those. It’s the things we have control over, the areas that might be affected by our choices, which we will spend the most time on. I hope that this will be of service to you as we each pursue our own individual health and excellence together.
In the next issue we’ll begin by exploring the basics of physical health: motion, nutrition, and paradigms.
Until then, may your actions today create a healthier you tomorrow.
Best regards,
Dr. Kathryn Woodall, DC, CST _________________________This column does not form a doctor patient relationship with Dr. Woodall or any guest commentator. You should always seek the guidance of your health care professional(s) prior to implementing changes that might impact your health.
PS. If you haven’t seen the latest RMAX Magazine, check it out at:
http://www.rmaxinternational.com/64.pdf
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Excellent article.
Like you I have heard many similar comments from people. I love your responses and will try to remember them whenever someone makes such sweeping generalizations.