Wellness vs Treatment

We all know at least one person in our social circles who is always sick. These people spend a significant amount of time complaining of health issues and an even greater amount of time hanging out with their doctor. This state of mind in the health industry is called the “sickness/ treatment model”. It is the traditional way that individuals have been taught to deal with their health.  

However, in recent years, with the explosion of the fitness industry and a new focus on holistic health, there has been a changing shift of mindset where many health providers are helping their clients transition from the “sickness/treatment model” to the “wellness model.” 

So, what are the differences between Sickness/Treatment and Wellness? 

Medical treatment or therapy is the attempted remediation of a health problem, usually following a medical diagnosis. Treatments are undertaken to mitigate the medical condition.  A cure is different from treatments in the aspect that after the medical therapy, the patient no longer has that specific medical condition. 

Wellness is the act of practicing healthy habits on a daily basis to attain better physical and mental health outcomes so that instead of just surviving, you’re thriving. The Wellness Model means caring that takes the focus sickness, to Preventive care. There is a strong emphasis on holistic care where the patient is encouraged to take part in healthy activities that create a stronger body and mind that can ward off illness, instead of relying on the traditional health system to care of a sick body.  Wellness is not just a set of practices that are incorporated at the doctor’s office, but rather a lifestyle change. 

Why are Wellness Models needed more than ever today? 

Irrespective of age, size, shape or perceived attractiveness of a person, it is wellness that is the cornerstone of quality of life. It determines how we ultimately look, feel, interact with others, and thrive in life and work.  

‘Given the trying times we are living in today with the pandemic, with movement restricted to reduce the number of people infected, more and more of us are making huge changes to our daily routines.

The new realities of working from home, temporary unemployment, home-schooling of children, and lack of physical contact with other family members, friends, and colleagues take time to get used to. Adapting to these lifestyle changes, managing fear of contracting the virus and worrying about our close ones being vulnerable is challenging for all of us. Fortunately, there are lots of things that we can do to look after our mental health and to help others who may need some extra support and care. 

Here are some things that you could do to keep yourself mentally fit: 

(Sourced from The World Health Organization) 

  1. Keep informed: Listen to advice and recommendations from your national and local authorities. Follow trusted news channels, such as local and national TV and radio.
  2. Have a routine: Keep up with daily routines as far as possible or make new ones.
    • Keep up with personal hygiene.
    • Eat healthy meals at regular times.
    • Exercise regularly.
    • Allocate time for working and enough time for resting. 
    • Make time for doing things you enjoy.
  3. Minimize News Feeds: As much as it is essential to keep up with the happenings of the world, try to reduce how much you watch, read, or listen to news that makes you feel anxious or distressed. Seek the latest information at specific times of the day, once or twice a day if needed.
  4. Social contact is important: If your movements are restricted, keep in regular contact with people close to you by telephone and online channels.
  5. Screen time: Be aware of how much time you spend in front of a screen every day. Make sure that you take regular breaks from on-screen activities.
  7. Social media:  Use your social media accounts to promote positive and hopeful stories. Correct misinformation wherever you see it.
  8. Help others: If you can, offer support to people in your community who may need it, such as helping them with grocery shopping.
  9. Support health workers: Take opportunities online or through your community to thank your country’s healthcare workers and all those working to respond to pandemics, because like what John Holmes said “There is no better exercise for the heart than reaching down and lifting people up.”

It is also important to remember that mental health and the overall state of your body in turn also affect your productivity. This means that it is essential for a healthy workforce to be able to keep a business up and running to be able to provide a livelihood. (Read our article on Back to Business Solutions)  

Aside from this ensuring that the right Preventive measures are in place to resume businesses is also key, because like Benjamin Franklin said, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”

Preventive Steps to take while returning to workplaces:

(Sourced from The World Health Organization)

  1. Maintain social distancing
  2. Check your health parameters namely temperature, oxygen saturation, and heart rate
  3. Clean your hands often, using soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand rub.
  4. Wear a mask. 
  6. Stay home if you feel unwell. 

How can HELO help you get back to business!!

HELO, the Health ATM helps promote wellness at work by ensuring that the health parameters of each employee and visitor are checked daily, prior to entering office. The HELO provides for provision to sanitize hands and bags, registers attendance or visit/s in a contactless manner. It blocks unhealthy personnel through health screening and enables sanitizing and hygiene. 

Lead the change today for healthier and safer workspaces with HELO. 

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