Visioning our Health
Visioning is a process of developing a plan, goal or a vision of the future. As we turn the clocks forward and also reflect on the 2-year anniversary of the Pandemic, we can use this time to envision our present and future health. As we all realize, the world has changed immensely as witnessed by the following:
US air passengers: 87% of pre-Covid levels
NYC subway ridership: 56%
Office occupancy: 38%
US box office: Projected to be 60% of 2019 levels in 2022
NFL attendance: Per-game average in 2021 up 0.9% from 2019
Zoom stock: Down 8% Compiled by Neal Freyman of The Morning Brew
With this perspective in mind, we may want to think about the following: “Where do you see yourself, as it relates to the impact of the Pandemic?” “What do you see yourself doing, as we all try to move forward” and “What is your vision for your future health?”
To gain a health-promotion perspective on our present health, we may find ourselves falling in one of the following categories, primary, secondary or tertiary. Primary is where our health is intact and we want to keep it that way. For example, your physical health may be intact based on primary measures such as those obtained from your health provider’s office. Secondary is where our health may be at risk of becoming ill. For example, the past two years may have left us feeling somewhat depressed but still thinking that we are ok. Tertiary is where our health needs intervention and treatment. For example, you may be feeling angry and questioning why there is so much pain and suffering in the world. You may be wondering if there is any reason to keep on going.
Looking at our health from a physical, psychological and spiritual perspective, and asking ourselves which category we fall in for each of these perspectives, can help us to better plan to maintain our overall health and, if needed, seek help when needed. In other words, visioning our future health.
When we find ourselves in the primary category, the goal is to stay there and prevent the risk of illness. This is a good time to re-examine the components of self-care and ensure that each one is on solid ground. For example, are you staying close to loved ones; are you feeding your body well; are you engaging in activities that provide you with positive outcomes?
When we find ourselves in the secondary category, the goal is to eliminate the risks of illness as much as possible. It is in the secondary category that we can make changes that will move us back towards the primary category. For example, if you find yourself feeling negativity from watching too much news and finding that you are becoming sad or down, it may be a time to look at cutting back on news reporting. Instead, if you are a more extroverted individual, re-engage with others or if you are more of an introverted individual, reading a book or finding other solitary activities that bring energy to you. Move away from those activities that will continue to move you towards depression. Re-establish your spiritual life.
When we find ourselves in the tertiary category, the goal is to manage our disease and maximize our health. Diabetes is a disease that is becoming more prevalent not only in the United States but also around the world. Working closely with health care providers, diabetes can usually be well managed and while you may always have diabetes, it doesn’t have to limit your life’s goals and dreams.
Visioning our health allows us the opportunity to take responsibility for creating our own path of living life to its fullest.
Key Takeaways
Assessing our health is foundational to our next personal new-normal.
Caring for our health is a mindset, not a minefield.
If needed, have others assess your state of health.
Best Practices
Keep your health status constantly in mind.
Visit your health care providers annually.
Regularly disengage with activities that negatively impact your health.
Things to Limit
Playing Jenga with your health.
Making the care of your health a lonely proposition.
Not listening to your body, mind or spirit.
Quote of the Week
Take care of your body.
It’s the only place you have to live.
~Jim Rohn
As we formulate and reorganize our path it is important to focus on our strengths and the opportunities for good health.
Be well,
The paraDocs
Check our Welcome Greeting on YouTube
The paraDocs are Dr. Francis L. Battisti, PhD, Psychotherapist, Distinguished Psychology Professor and former Executive V.P and Chief Academic Officer and Dr. Helen E. Battisti PhD, RDN, CDN, Chief Nutrition Officer, at SpNOD, Health Promotion Specialist, Research and Clinical Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and former Assistant Professor.
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