There are many ways to think about health. One definition states that it is merely about metabolic efficiency. Others consider that it is the absence of pain, injury, or illness. Regardless, it does refer to a general condition involving a person's mind, body, and spirit. Therefore, when good working definition would state that health is a situation or condition in which the mind, body, and spirit has achieved a state of balance, which is also called homeostasis. Essentially, we are a complex amalgam of integrated entities. This includes proteins, genes, cells, organs, our mind, and what...

According to widely available statistics, too many people in Western countries failed to follow diets conducive to good health. Obesity is a major problem. While efforts are made to encourage healthy diets and proper exercise, they fail to be adequate. Food serves the dual function. Not only is it necessary for physical nourishment, it also has a significant role in our feelings of emotional well-being. Additionally, it is related to our survival instinct. Thus we eat not only to survive physically, but also to survive emotionally. Our perceived need to handle negative stress and any...

In our culture alcohol consumption has often been synonymous with being socially accepted. Somehow we have linked the ingestion of these liquids, which everyone knows contains toxic substances, to our desire to be socially connected. It has always been the baby boomers version of Facebook and Twitter. In fact, decades ago while serving as a young Army officer, it would have been considered an insult not to share a few “cold ones” with the men as a form of celebration. I’m not saying the Generation X and Y’ers are immune to becoming alcoholics. It seems to be a problem that transcends...