Calgary man learns what ‘getting healthy’ really means
In North America, we have access to countless resources and a wealth of information on health. Yet when it comes to the idea of “being healthy,” many of the experts seem to have conflicting opinions on how to define what that actually means.
Some interpret “being healthy” as having a lean figure or only eating raw foods, while others see it as simply being free from disease. So ... which it is? What does being healthy really mean?
According to Dr. Pollie Lumby, family physician at the Copeman Healthcare Centre in Calgary, most people believe that they are healthy because they either aren’t in visibly poor physical health or don’t have pressing needs to see a doctor. However, the reality is that there’s so much more to being healthy than meets the eye.
“The media has really skewed the definition of the word ‘healthy’ over the past few years, which is likely why there is so much confusion on how to define it,” explains Dr. Lumby.
“We need to start looking beyond just ‘getting healthy,’ and instead focus more on the long-term optimization of overall health. It’s so much more than what it appears to be on the surface.”
While implementing a long-term solution to maintain your health may seem like an arduous task, making the switch from simply “being healthy” to focusing on overall health optimization doesn’t have to be hard.
Philip Cohen (name has been changed for privacy reasons), a 45-year-old patient of Copeman Healthcare, is a perfect example of someone who felt reasonably healthy. However, after undergoing his annual Comprehensive Health Assessment at Copeman, he discovered that there was much more he could be doing to maximize his health.
“Before joining Copeman, a health assessment wasn’t something I ever felt that I really needed,” explains Cohen. “It wasn’t until after the assessment that I realized I had an opportunity to make improvements.”
Cohen adds, “They used a very scientific approach and really took the time to explain everything.”
Although the results of Cohen’s tests weren’t alarming, the simple changes that his team — in particular his dietitian, Linda Cuda — recommended have had a huge positive impact on his health. In just over three months, Cohen lost seven pounds (five per cent of his total starting body weight) and reduced his cholesterol levels by seven per cent.
“Linda introduced me to simple changes that I could easily incorporate into my day-to-day life,” says Cohen. “Linda’s suggestions were all very practical and only enhanced what I was already doing. Just the introduction of more fibre and a bran cereal — what a difference!”
Cuda, a registered dietician, adds that it’s the small changes that have actually had the biggest impact on Cohen’s results.
“It’s often even more challenging for people who are close to a healthy weight range to see results like this, as they typically have to be much more diligent,” she explains.
“We added higher quality protein at lunch, examined his micronutrient intake and introduced appropriate vitamins, based on his test results, to enhance his overall nutrition.”
Now squarely on the path to optimal health, Cohen says the best part is that he continues to notice changes and doesn’t feel like he is drastically changing his lifestyle.
“At Copeman, the team works around your lifestyle, so you’re doing what you can do and not trying to change everything at once,” he says.
“They take a complete approach to your overall health, which most clinics don’t do. It gives you peace of mind that you’re taking the right measures to care for yourself over the long run.”
Located in Western Canada, Copeman Healthcare offers annual health assessments and year-round care that focuses on prevention and ongoing care.
“From a medical standpoint, being healthy should be a measure of your overall health — physical, mental, cognitive,” Dr. Lumby says.
“It’s really that simple shift in mindset, from being healthy to health optimization, which makes all the difference.”
As for the biggest takeaway, Dr. Lumby suggests starting with making some small changes. This might be getting out for a short walk at lunch time instead of just eating at your desk or swapping your daily soda for an extra glass of water.
“The key is to do little things that you can maintain for the rest of your life to help you feel better overall and, ultimately, live longer.”