As humans, is there a means by which we can live on planet earth, separate from the environment? Can we live without air, food and water? Can we live on love alone without food, air and water? The answer regarding food, air and water is ‘Yes, by the Grace of GOD’. However, to do so will result in death because SPIRIT gave us food, water and air to sustain our bodies. The question that arises now is, “If we have food, air and water, why are there so many sick people–the cause of their illnesses unknown?”

Food, exercise, water and air along does not mean we will be healthy or in a state of optimal wellness.  There are numerous dimensions to our lives.  Some of them are self responsibility and love, breathing, eating, moving, thinking, playing and finding meaning. Each dimension is affected by another dimension. We are never in complete harmony or balance.  Therefore, we must always actively demonstrate and be cognizant of moving toward a state of optimal, ultra wellness (wellness is not a static state).  Wellness can be improved through self-responsibility and love for ourselves, others and the environment.

We, as individuals and collectively, can set the highest standard for the environment as it has a profound effect on the climate and our health. One of the things I’ve learned about the centenarians in my neighborhood and the Blue Zone is that the environment and the climate have played a significant role in their longevity, health and well being. For example, the cases of  asthma are extremely high in the county in which I live. Some people who never had asthma suddenly develop asthma. They are affected by the environmental climate. There are some days when it is a relatively clear day, but the ozone level is high. The daylight appears overcast, not enough actual daylight, resulting in a feeling of depression, SAD (seasonal affective disorder) and overeating. Eating too many calories coupled with the lack of exercise-because of the weather- results in an overweight and obese individual.

One can see how the environment and the climate impact the dimensions of our lives which in turn are factors in our state of health and wellness. If we take responsibility for the environmentà climate, we can make an outstanding impact on the health of people, not only in the United States but also globally.