Google the phrase “health and well-being,” and you’ll garner over 20 million Internet search results. The two words are linked so often, it’s easy to forget that each one holds a specific meaning—by definition and in our lives. Knowing the distinction between the two can help us improve not only our physical and emotional health, but also our overall quality of life.
In general, “health” refers to our physical state. “Well-being” is not as concretely or simply defined as health, in that it is more of a concept—and a personal feeling. It is inextricably tied to the state of our physical health, yet it encompasses much more. Well-being takes in aspects of our health that go beyond nutrition and exercise, such as our emotional health, including stress management and spiritual health.
Well-being also involves our sense of security, for ourselves and for our family. That includes our short- and long-term financial security, personal safety and even our environmental stewardship. A sense of belonging to our community, to our friends and to our family affects our well-being, too. And so does our sense of purpose in life.
The good news is we can proactively make choices and take actions to achieve lifelong well-being.
Good Health is Key
The best place to start is with our health. Since social circumstances and behavior patterns make up more than half of the underlying drivers of health, making simple behavioral changes can lead to better health and well-being. It can also save millions of lives and billions in health care costs.
That’s because, for over 50 years, an estimated 80 percent of the nation’s health care budget has been consumed by five behavioral issues: 1) drinking; 2) smoking; 3) poor diet; 4) stress and 5) inactivity. Making healthy choices in these five behaviors alone can improve how we look and feel physically.
To do that, we need to follow well-documented guidelines for proper diet and exercise. We can avoid things that are not good for our bodies, like smoking or drinking alcohol to excess. We also need to find ways to relieve and manage stress. In short, we can make choices and take actions that result in a healthier body—and mind.
Change is Difficult
It sure sounds simple, doesn’t it? Make some changes in our behavior. Take better care of ourselves, and we’ll be healthier. Yet, we also know that people don’t change their behavior easily, even when they’re experiencing serious health challenges.
Think about these disturbing statistics. A full 90 percent of those who undergo coronary-artery bypass surgery don’t change their lifestyle in the subsequent two years. And two-of-three American adults are overweight or obese, and yet 60 percent don’t exercise.
Clearly, making even simple changes often proves staggeringly difficult. So we’re seeing more and more prevention and screening programs that assess health risks.
Innovative Wellness Programs Increasing
We’re also witnessing an explosion in the number of health and wellness programs designed to get people moving and eating better, to manage their stress more effectively and to feel fit emotionally—and even spiritually.
Technology is also playing a greater role in keeping people healthy. For example, at Humana, we’re launching dozens of initiatives aimed at finding new ways to help our members stay healthy through the use of mobile technologies and other technology innovations.
One good example is our StaySmartStayHealthy.com initiative, which includes a series of videos that offer key health-related information—in a fun, easy-to-understand way.
In another technology-based initiative, Humana is partnering with Intel to explore the benefits of remote medical monitoring. In this pilot program, Humana Cares members with heart conditions will be able to step on a special scale in their homes. Then, in real-time, data such as weight, blood pressure and blood-glucose levels will go electronically to their primary care physician, who can act quickly on the information if necessary.
Because these types of initiatives have been so successful, we’ll continue to see an increasing number of innovative programs designed to improve our health and reduce health care costs.
Take Action to Improve Your Well-Being
We’ll also continue to see more programs aimed at improving other aspects that contribute to our well-being. Plus, you can take actions on your own to improve your sense of security, belonging and purpose.
· Security. Sit down and figure out where your finances stand. Because if you don’t take control of your finances, the stress that causes can lead to devastating effects on our health and well-being.
· Belonging. Start your own list of social activities you like and don’t like. Write them down, and be creative in coming up with new ideas for socializing.
· Purpose. Consider your purpose here on earth. No matter what age you are, if you find yourself looking for meaning in life, you won’t have to look far. A mirror is a good place to start.
That’s right, reflection holds the key. Reflect on your life’s experiences and write your thoughts down. Make a list of your talents and life goals. Then think about and connect with a source that can benefit from your talents and life’s experiences—and get involved.
Once you begin to improve one aspect of your well-being, you’ll surely want to start on another area. Add together a sense of security and belonging, along with better physical health, and you’re well on your way to achieving well-being—and an overall higher quality of life.