Wellness Requires Healthy Behaviors
Research indicates that between 70% and 90% of all strokes, heart attacks, cancers, and type II diabetes are directly related to what we eat, whether or not we exercise, and whether or not we use tobacco. We know that certain behaviors are behind declining health, which ultimately leads to high healthcare costs.
At PANGEA we recognize that the core of every good wellness program is behavior change. With the right education, skills, motivation, skills/tools, and social support, we help our clients change behaviors.
Research concludes that the majority of chronic diseases that we suffer from are caused by putting the wrong kinds of things in our mouths, not moving around enough, or consuming tobacco products. If lifestyle choices explain 70% to 90% of all chronic diseases then what explains the rest of the chronic diseases not covered by this research? It’s true that there are other non-modifiable factors that can influence chronic diseases.
The Influence of Genetics is Small
Genetics, for example, explain between 3-6% of the chronic disease burden. And there are other environmental factors including where we live, the air we breathe, exposure to toxins, and workplace hazards that can have an impact on chronic diseases.
Having a genetic tendency towards high blood pressure, diabetes, or high blood cholesterol is very real for some people. but for most people it is very unlikely that they have a familial tendency to have any certain chronic disease.
The scientific evidence that links unhealthy behaviors with disease, elevated health risks, elevated health care costs, and poor quality of life is extensive. This research also helps us understand why wellness programs that focus on changing employee behavior are more likely to be successful.
The Importance of Support
Humans are very social creatures. We depend upon each other for many things, including our attempts to be healthy. Spouses and significant others are perhaps the most important part of a successful behavior change effort. It is possible to change behaviors without the help of others, but it is extremely difficult.
It is easier to be healthy when someone is joining us on this journey. Social support can include more than just spouses and significant others. It can include coworkers, professional colleagues, friends, neighbors, church groups, and even pets.
Our Approach for Results
At PANGEA Private Wellness, our integrated approach to wellness delivers solutions for both a healthy body and a healthy mind - all supported by a team of carefully selected practitioners. Our engagements are tailored to individual needs, couples, families and corporate teams to create results from the inside, out.
References:
Lack of Exercise is a Major Cause of Chronic Diseases
Health and Economic Costs of Chronic Diseases