Optimal Health
Brochure from Craig Hospital in Colorado that seeks to unpack what optimal health means and what you can do to keep health for a long, long time.
What Is Optimal Health?
If we asked a group of people this question, their responses would be quite different. Some would say physical health is the key. To them, athletic skills or physical abilities might be what matter most.
Others might view good health in terms of relationships and maintaining social interactions. Still others believe that emotional health and intellectual challenges are most important.
We are all very different and complex persons. We grow and change as different challenges, problems or needs become a part of our lives. But how do we continue to grow and keep in good health in the presence of a disability like spinal cord injury? In recent years, health-care professionals agree that health is not merely "freedom from disease" or disability, but that it includes life's physical, emotional, social, spiritual, and intellectual aspects as well.
It's not just medical self-care and treatment of health problems that promote optimal health; it's increasing potential as well. Here then are five areas that make up your overall health:
Five Areas of Health:
Physical health
Relates to your body, and includes eating habits, exercise, medical self-care and treatment of health problems. Smoking, drugs, and alcohol use have potential negative affects on your health.
Emotional health
Refers to your state of mind. It is how you react to day-to-day stresses, your sense of worth, and your ability to relax and enjoy leisure.
Social health
The ability to keep healthy interactions with friends, family, neighbors or co-workers.
Spiritual health
Includes having a sense of purpose in life, the ability to give and receive love and the ability to feel goodwill toward others.
Intellectual health
results from the mental stimulation and development we get through our work, school, community service, hobbies or cultural pursuits.
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