written by Dr. Michael Brady |  

Instead, Invest Long Term for a Higher Return.

Right now, healthcare in America is the number one conversation topic around dinner tables. Many Americans describe our system as riddled with inefficiencies, inflated prices, inappropriate care and fraud. Our current health care system is costing our country more than 18% of the Gross National Product, being the largest component of consumer spending. According to the Congressional Budget Office, this totals $2.8 trillion dollars, or approximately $8,300/person. To put this into perspective, we are spending more money on health care than on Social Security and National Defense combined . The amount is even larger than our spending on housing and food in our country.

Many Americans believe that our health care system is broken and needs to be fixed. There seems to be unrelenting talk about the health care crisis , but what are we doing to fix it? The solution is within our reach. The only way we are going to overcome such a damaged system is by understanding that a paradigm shift must occur. Simply put, this shift needs to be out of a sickness care system, and into a system that places emphasis on wellness care.

Although the shift seems complicated, it is rather straightforward. It will start with Americans developing a consciousness of wellness. We will have to become more responsible for our own wellbeing. So, what is wellness? In my opinion, Arizona State University has the best definition of wellness stating that:

Wellness is an active, life-long process of becoming aware of choices and and making decisions toward a more balanced and fulfilling life. Wellness involves choices about our lives and our priorities that determines our lifestyle. The wellness concept is centered on connections and the idea that the mind, body, spirit and community, are all interrelated and interdependent.

Applying this definition of wellness to our everyday life will enable us to understand that good health is for the most part, up to us. It’s not just a matter of good genes and certainly not a result of good luck or prescription medication. It is the cultivation and thus, continuation, of good health habits.

Good habits are developed by learning the “what to do” (knowledge), the “how to do it” (skill), and most importantly, the “why to do” (attitude). Attitude is the motivation and the desire to achieve health and wellness for vitality and longevity into the future. Remember, it’s not how long we live but rather the quality of life that is important to us. People with better health habits survive longer and disability is compressed into fewer years at the end of life.

We all know that the rewards of good health are priceless. But how do you achieve it, and who is going to help you? When was the last time you had a physician sit you down and take the time to explain how to achieve and maintain good health, as opposed to simply trying to rid you of the syst...