“Excellence is never an accident. It is always the result of high intention, sincere effort, and intelligent execution; it represents the wise choice of many alternatives – choice, not chance, determines your destiny.” – Aristotle
We have looked at health in the US from the wrong direction. Despite being one the most industrialized countries in the world, we can remain stuck in our ways. Just because it was done a certain way for long doesn’t make it the most advantageous path currently.
Collectively, we are the most medicated US society of all time. Obesity rates have skyrocketed in the past 60 years. According to a paper produced by the CDC, since 1960, the prevalence of adult obesity in the United States has nearly tripled, from 13% in 1960–1962 to 36% during 2009–2010. Currently, obesity rates are reported as high as 42% of adults aged 20 or more.
It doesn’t stop there. There is growing concern about increasing rates of cancer, autoimmune disorders, dementia, heart disease and cerebrovascular disease. If you want a deep dive on this subject read the book Outlive by Peter Attia. All of these conditions are considered chronic diseases. The majority of the prescriptions in the US are written for chronic diseases. It is estimated that 90-95% of chronic disease is preventable. Do you see where I am headed here?
We are fighting a losing battle creating the greatest debt of all time in recorded US history. Health care accounts for 17% of the US GDP. According to the CDC, 90% of the nation’s $3.8 trillion per year healthcare costs can be attributed to people with chronic diseases and mental health conditions Commentary on Chronic Disease Prevention in 2022. Now since 90-95% of chronic disease is preventable, wouldn’t we be saving a great deal of money teaching people how to care for themselves?
Here is where we come in. At QHP, we developed a process-oriented approach to health care. You see the definition of health care is deliver services to healthy individuals for the sake of maintaining health. What we practice in the US is sick care. We wait for people to get sick to provide care. Hence, we have it backwards. When we began developing our personalized process we used the concept of the aggregation of marginal gains. A concept we learned in the book Atomic Habits by James Clear. The aggregation of marginal gains is a philosophy that suggests that small improvements in many different areas can have a significant impact on the overall performance.
This is why we begin our 24 week process with habit formation. Once you gain the understanding for how to acquire and eliminate habits, the next step is the stacking process. The addition of effective habits over 24 weeks has now yielded superb results with all of our clients. We address breathing dynamics, sleep optimization and nutrition/hydration strategies over the first 8 weeks developing the foundation of physical health. Next, it’s all about the mind. Every client has reflected this to be the most valuable portion of the first 16 weeks. However, one cannot exist without the other. In order, to experience a healthy mind, the physical body must be optimized.
Spiritual health closes out the journey as we discuss how to flow with the events of life. Here’s the genius section. The present moment is the only reality that exists. Harvard did a study which concluded that we are lost in our minds about life 47% of our lives. This means two ongoing realities. Experience and the narration of experience. Finding flow is all about closing the gap. In my office there’s a reminder sign that reads ‘BE HERE NOW.’ After 51 years of life, I have learned that life is truly a gift. All of it. Judgment of the moment can be the equalizer in realizing the gift in each moment. The spiritually healthy do not judge. Simply accept the present circumstances and find the learning opportunity growing and evolving with time.
Control the controllables is a statement I share with those I coach quite often. Start by taking inventory of the habits in your life. We suggest you find someone to look up to. Someone you would like to emulate. My guide is the Russell Crowe character in the movie ‘The Gladiator’. Not for the violence. For the man of character and integrity. A man of truth and loyalty. Find someone to fancy. List the effective habits you would need to develop. Also list the ineffective habits you currently possess. Decide on one habit to start and one to eliminate. Be consistent. Hold yourself accountable. Start small and easy building momentum. Realize that health is about the long term game. Sick care is the result of instant gratification.
Another valuable statement that I commonly use is ‘pick your pain or your pain will pick you.’ Challenge yourself each day to try to do something new or be consistent with something challenging. Leaning into discomfort is the recipe for growth and self-belief. Self-belief or self-trust is the way to success. Now when you sit in your comfort zone, as most that suffer with chronic disease do, the pain finds you. Make sense?
Lastly, what is your purpose in life? Many of us are struggling with this question. Fortunately, I found mine. Since I decided my purpose was to be the healthiest expression of me, I have enjoyed my life tremendously. By learning to care for myself, I have made the greatest investment of all. With each passing day, I feel better in every domain of my existence while balancing every dimension of being. It has been through the aggregation of marginal gains that I have arrived at this place of health and wellness. Each small step has built a path to a more fulfilling and vibrant life, and it is my wish for you to feel this level of contentment.
The journey towards optimal health is not a sprint but a marathon. It demands patience, dedication, and a willingness to embrace change. By focusing on the small, consistent improvements and aligning them with your purpose, you can transform your health and your life. Remember, the power to shape your destiny lies within your daily choices. Choose wisely, cultivate effective habits, and watch as your life improves in every facet. At QHP, we are here to guide and support you every step of the way, ensuring that you too can achieve the highest expression of your health and well-being.