Health is something we all desire, and maybe something we do not spend enough time thinking about until we have suffered ill health. I feel everyone should be informed and encouraged to look after their health from a young age. There is a lot being done across the world but many people continue to ignore their health and pretend they do not know what to do.
I despair at the exporting of unhealthy foods from the developed world to the developing. I am sad when I visit the Caribbean and see people replacing healthy local produce for mass-produced low-grade food imports. This is particularly true of sweets where the homemade coconut fudge or nutmeg jam is thrown aside for a coloured chemical combination that contains no identifiable foods.
Like our health, we do not always value what we have until it disappears. Because of the global economic climate many of us have rediscovered the joys of locally produced and home-cooked meals. This is not only cheaper but often healthier as well.
Health is not only about the state of our bodies but also about our mental health, which covers our mind and emotions. Our emotions show us how we are responding to things in our life. With good mental health we can make space for the range of our emotions, from despair to joy. No emotion is bad, it’s how we express it, or not, that is meaningful.
Be aware of what you pay attention to and what you ignore. Some of us can be quite obsessive about one aspect of our health, such as our diet, whilst another area is completely ignored. Take time to review how you take care of the health of your whole self. It does not matter where you start but the message is to get started. This is not about self-absorption but supports you to live a full and vibrant life. It is also generous as it means you are more likely to be around for the loved ones in your life.
How are you looking after your physical, mental and emotional health?
