Are you interested in being healthy?-clone

Here is a fascinating passage from the book, But My Doctor Never Told Me That! : Secrets for Creating Lifelong Health, by Dr. Judith Boice.

One of the first questions I ask a new patient is 'Are you interested in being healthy?' Many look at me quizzically. Well, of course I do. Why else would I be here?

For most people, health is a necessary prerequisite to create what truly matters to them. Without health, they cannot bring their visions to fruition. Not everyone is interested in being healthy, however. Some simply want symptomatic relief. Others are running from diseases they fear. A few pursue health to appease a mate or parent.

Your motivation for choosing health impacts your ability to create health. Choosing health to serve your life vision fundamentally differs from avoiding illness, problem solving, or pleasing others.

If someone wants to be healthy, my next question is, 'and what would full health look like for you?' I can't offer anyone a meaningful one-size-fits-all definition of health. For one of my patients, health means completing two iron man competitions a year. Another wants a positive outlook on life - she's been clinically depressed for years - and enough energy to work in the garden when she gets home from work. Each of these visions has power for that individual, but not necessarily for anyone else.

I encourage patients to include enough detail so they can accurately measure when they have achieved their desired state of health. 'I want to lower my blood pressure', for example, is a very fuzzy end result. 'I want to have blood pressure readings of 125/80 five days a week' is a very clearly defined goal.

Our next step is to define their current state of health, focussing on the details that pertain to their picture of health. Most doctors' visits begin here, with current symptoms, not someone's vision of health. This method aims at eliminating symptoms, not creating health.

For those who truly desire health, I encourage them to formally choose their vision of health. Many people follow all kinds of health-promoting regimens without actually choosing to be healthy. Often they are not even sure what health means to them. Without a clear vision of health, how could they decide if they are doing enough or too much, or evaluate if their current routine is improving or undermining their health?

The process of clarifying and then choosing your vision of health helps focus your efforts. You can also more accurately evaluate the results, e.g. did your diet and exercise routine help you lose fat without sacrificing muscle? Did the dietary changes lower your total cholesterol below 200? Have the biofeedback sessions reduced or eliminated your headaches? Of course the questions you ask will depend on your particular definition of health.

So, are you interested in being healthy?

If you are – welcome. You are in the right place.