Studies that consider multiple Lifestyle health factors linked to good health provide strong evidence that no one health-enhancing factor is decisive and that the more beneficial factors—the Building Blocks of Health—that are present in a person’s life the healthier they will be. Fortunately, the elements of a healthy lifestyle are not in conflict; they are mutually reinforcing or synergistic. Healthy behavior patterns, when practiced together, have a beneficial effect that is greater than the sum of each individual effect.
No diet or lifestyle can guarantee good health, but the drawbacks and sacrifices of lifestyle modification are minimal compared to the potential benefits. Studies reveal how few of us adhere to all of the behaviors associated with longevity and health; however, a healthy lifestyle is not an all or nothing phenomenon. Some—probably most—people will find it difficult or impossible to adopt an optimal lifestyle, at least not all of the time. Keep in mind that any progress toward an improved lifestyle will make some contribution to enhanced health and wellbeing.
It may take many years for the silent damage from high blood cholesterol or high blood pressure to result in clinical cardiovascular disease and symptoms. Fortunately, as has been noted, lifestyle changes, such as those brought about by adherence to the very low-fat, whole-food, plant-based diet Pritikin program, can rapidly improve health. Restrictions on smoking have been found to affect hospital admissions for acute coronary syndromes and mortality within a few months. A healthy lifestyle can quickly improve health, and it is effective at any age.
This blog presents opinions and ideas and is intended to provide helpful general information. I am not engaged in rendering advice or services to the individual reader. The ideas, procedures and suggestions in that are presented are not in any way a substitute for the advice and care of the reader’s own physician or other medical professional based on the reader’s own individual conditions, symptoms or concerns. If the reader needs personal medical, health, dietary, exercise or other assistance or advice the reader should consult a physician and/or other qualified health professionals. The author specifically disclaims all responsibility for any injury, damage or loss that the reader may incur as a direct or indirect consequence of following any directions or suggestions given in the book or participating in any programs described in this blog or in the book, The Building Blocks of Health––How to Optimize Wellness with a Lifestyle Checklist. References for most of the health related information in this blog can be found in the book, The Building Blocks of Health now available on Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/Building-Blocks-Health-Lifestyle-Checklist-ebook/dp/B08RC3XRCY/. Copyright 2020 by J. Joseph Speidel.
