Articles

Good Health And Wellness- Your Child Needs It More Than You Know!

WHAT IS WELLNESS?

Wellness is a state of optimal well-being that is oriented toward maximizing an individual’s potential. This is a life-long process of moving towards enhancing your physical, intellectual, emotional, social, spiritual, and environmental well-being.

COMPONENTS OF WELLNESS

Six dimensions highlight important components of wellness.

INTELLECTUAL

• Parents should find the outlets that are intellectually stimulating.

• Set and meet realistic goals academically, personally, and professionally.

• Take advantage of opportunities that may offer you different experiences.

•  Take help to practice deep breathing to help the mind-body connection. 

SPIRITUAL

• Nourish yourself through personal beliefs, morals, and/or religion.

• Feel connected with yourself and others.

• Find purpose in life and meaning in the little things you do everyday.

• Take help from parents or teachers to develop a philosophy of life that you want to live by.

ENVIRONMENTAL

• Appreciate and respect the environment.

• Do your part to preserve and improve environmental conditions.

• Whether it’s at home or work, have a welcoming space for you and others to feel comfortable.

• Reduce noise and pollution.

• Have a place that you can go to relax, chill out.

PHYSICAL

• Get a physical examination to get aware of your physical problem that you may not be aware of from a doctor.

• Stay current on immunizations from your doctor.

• Exercise regularly and eat balanced meals.

• Get dental and eye exams.

• Get a massage to ease tired and worked muscles.

EMOTIONAL

• Recognize when your emotions affect your body.

• Express your needs, feelings, and opinions appropriately.

• Use humor to defuse negative thoughts or situations.

• Use journal writing to relieve stress and express your thoughts.

• Talk to a trusted friend or family member and share views.

• Be optimistic–believe in yourself and your abilities.

• If you are feeling overwhelmed, make an appointment with a professional healthcare provider.

SOCIAL

• Interacts well with others in public and private situations.

• Maintain values and beliefs without being persuaded by peer pressure or take help from parents.

• Feel comfortable adapting to various social settings.

• Join clubs to expand your social network, it’s a great way to get involved and meet others with similar interests.

• Read the newspaper – you will be amazed with all of the events going on and off campus.

WHY WELLNESS IN CHILDREN?

Sedentary lifestyle is a major underlying cause of death, disease, and disability. Approximately 2 million deaths every year are attributable to physical inactivity; and preliminary findings from a WHO study on risk factors suggest that sedentary lifestyle is one of the ten leading causes of death and disability in the world. Physical inactivity increases all causes mortality, doubles the risk of cardiovascular disease, type II diabetes, and obesity. It also increases the risks of colon and breast cancer, high blood pressure, lipid disorders, osteoporosis, depression and anxiety.

Increased usage of TV and computers and consequently less physical activity coupled with a high calorie diet has led to ill health amongst children thus leading to a growing concern about their health and well being.

One of the best ways to increase the chances that your children will adopt wellness concepts is to model attitudes and behaviours consistent with a health-enhancing outlook on life. Sermons are always more effective when demonstrated than preached.

Therefore, the concept of wellness should not be taken lightly, especially when you have to do your child’s thinking for them.