Health Self-Education: Things We Can Do.

In my previous post I spoke about needing a new direction in healthcare that embraces the idea of self-education, practical knowledge and personal responsibility for our own health. So where might one begin in this pursuit of Health Self-Education. I would suggest the goal we aspire to in our self-education program is to gain a deeper awareness, appreciation and respect for how wonderfully we are made.

So, I went to my bookshelf and found two books that have helped to shape my view of health and you may find them to be of interest as well. The first one is Lennart Nilsson's 1973 book, Behold Man: A Photographic Journey of Discovery inside the Body. This book offers a remarkable collection of large, detailed microphotographs, giving us what he calls " a kind of first report" as it reveals the awe-inspiring and wonderfully made reality of our human existence.

The second book I would share with you is entitled I Am Joe's Body. The book is a collection of articles originally printed in the Reader's Digest, beginning in 1967 which was the year I graduated from high school. I didn't discover the book until years later. The book offers a compelling guided tour of our anatomy where each part speaks for itself as it explains its role and function within the body. J. D. Ratcliff, the author, writes in a simple and direct narrative style that both entertains and informs the reader. His book is still a pleasure to read and I believe you will come away with a deeper sense of appreciation for one's life and all that goes into making that life possible.

Life and health are wonderful gifts to be enjoyed and passed on. To change one's life and health for the better requires a return to a true foundation. The insight, knowledge and awareness that can come from these two books will help to rebuild that proper foundation of childlike awe for the mysteriousness of life. If a truthful foundation can indeed be re-established in our lives, we will then be motivated to be lifelong learners in this study of life and health. We will also be motivated to make the necessary changes in our behaviors and attitudes that will support the continual care and nuture of these precious and bestowed gifts of life and health.

Until next time, why not take a walk in nature and try to view it once more from a child's perspective, as if seeing it for the first time. May you be filled with wonder, awe and love.

David's Web Page

Health Notes

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