14 Days to a Wellness Lifestyle

Book excerpt: Abstract: A systematic approach to good health focuses on providing information and motivation. Exercises and checklists encourage participation. The wellness lifestyle is based upon self-responsibility, nutritional awareness, physical fitness, stress management, and environmental sensitivity. Topics include perspectives on the medical system, hazardous cultural norms, creating a healthy self-image, self-responsibility, and physical fitness. A lesson on eating for performance encourages the use of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Salt, refined sugars, caffeine, soft drinks, and alcohol are not positive foods in a wellness supportive environment. Successful wellness programs from around the US are described. An annotated list of recommended readings is included; a list of music recommended to accompany the program also is included. (rkm).