Never in the history of the world has there ever been a greater wealth of discussions around health. Never have there been more devices, medications and quick-solutions that try to solve a plethora of different health-related problems. Similarly, there is an abundance of information available through podcasts, news sections, magazines and blogs, such as this one, that try to make sense of the numerous inputs and deliver reliable and actionable content.

While the discourse around health and the resources grow vaster, the statistics tell a numbing story. Around 20% of the global population is affected by chronic diseases. This percentage itself serves as a good indicator, but the sheer sum of affected people is even more staggering: approximately 1.71 billion people worldwide are impacted by musculoskeletal conditions like back pain, neck pain, and osteoarthritis. With a higher rate of impact felt among women, the elderly and those living in rural areas.

Understanding the Discrepancy Between Information and Health Outcomes

One problem we often encounter is the binary view of health, where it is perceived as an on/off issue. Generally, people are thought of as either healthy or sick/injured. Let us propose a different analogy:

Health can be compared to a spectrum, similar to temperature, with its extremes of hot and cold. These two extremes represent different states of health. This analogy better represents the dynamic and continuous nature of health. Similar to temperature varying from cold to hot, health is set between poor and optimal. This balance is always present. It gets rid of the idea, that the absence of disease automatically means a good or optimal state of health. Health is not a static state but a fluctuating condition influenced by factors such as lifestyle choices, environmental influences, genetic predisposition, and social circumstances.

Seeing health as a spectrum, like temperature, allows for a more nuanced understanding:

• Individuals cannot simply be classified as "healthy" or "sick" but can exist anywhere along the health continuum.

• Minor changes in lifestyle or environment can shift a person's position on the health spectrum.

• It emphasizes the importance of preventative measures and lifestyle adjustments in maintaining or improving one's place on the health spectrum.

Case studies and examples

Let’s apply this understanding to our muscular system. Muscles are balanced at rest but can reach extremes during certain sports, such as track and field athletics. The better balanced your muscular system is, the better you can move between extremes. However, if there's an imbalance from the start, shifting from one part of the spectrum to the other proves to be a challenge.

The further you are on one end of the spectrum, the more challenging it can be to shift to the other extreme. As an example, a highly active individual may find it challenging to calm down and relax, while an extremely relaxed individual may need a lot of energy to move to the other side of the spectrum and won't be able to jump out of bed and start a sprint on command.

"Health, like temperature, is not just hot or cold. It's a spectrum, and every small change matters."

Thinking about health as a spectrum, helps to tie its different meanings together. While the term is often used interchangeably for a number of very different areas, the spectrum analogy allows us to make each of these categories play a role in the overall balance. It encompasses multiple factors such as physical health, mental well-being, social engagement, emotional balance, autonomy and many more. As such, the position on the health spectrum plays a huge role on the overall quality of life.

Successfully balancing these different factors, with the goal of moving the needle towards the optimal state of health, offers numerous benefits:

• Physical Benefits: Extended lifespan, increased strength and endurance, faster recovery from illnesses, and reduced risk of chronic diseases.

• Mental Benefits: Enhanced mental health, decreased risk of depression and anxiety, improved memory and concentration.

• Social Benefits: Enhanced social interactions and community involvement.

• Economic Benefits: Lower healthcare costs and increased work productivity.

• Quality of Life: The ability to enjoy various activities and pursuits freely.

• Emotional Well-being: Greater emotional resilience and improved stress management.

• Independence and Autonomy: Increased self-sufficiency, particularly at an older age.

This is just a brief list of improvements. The beauty of the health spectrum is that progress in any of these areas can positively impact other aspects as well. Incrementally improving each of these aspects leads in summary, to a much more enjoyable life. Our goal is to facilitate these adjustments towards the optimal end of the scale.

In summary, good health transcends the absence of disease; it represents a holistic approach to life that promotes well-being and sustainability.

Here are some thoughts on various areas that can bring significant benefits when changes are made. Further exploration of these areas may result in major improvements in overall health.

• Mind-Body Awareness: Connect body and mind.

• Emotional Intelligence: Learn, understand, and effectively manage your emotions.

• Prioritize Sleep: Ensure both quantity and quality of your sleep.

• Foster Meaningful Relationships: Nurture relationships that provide support and growth.

• Lifelong Learning and Curiosity: Keep your brain engaged and active.

• Purpose and Meaning: Pursue activities aligned with your values that bring fulfilment.

• Mindful Eating: Establish a mindful and healthy relationship with food.

• Engage in Physical Activity: Participate in physical activities that you enjoy and can sustain over time.

• Check-ups and Preventive Care: Take a proactive approach to health management with regular medical check-ups.

• Be Environmentally Aware: Remain conscious of the impact your environment has on your health and vice versa.

• Stress Management and Resilience Strategies: Learn how to manage stress and build resilience.

These principles serve as the foundation for a comprehensive approach to health, extending beyond physical wellness, to encompass a broader spectrum of well-being.

As always, thanks for reading.

Catch you in the next one,

Anoush & Yann