Wellness is not just the lack of illness. Real wellness is defined as having a Zest for Life.

As a component of the virtue of courage, Zest is defined as living life with a sense of excitement, anticipation, and energy. Approaching life as an adventure; such that one has “motivation in challenging situations or tasks”. Those who have zest exude excitement and energy while approaching tasks in life. Hence, the concept of zest involves performing tasks wholeheartedly, while also being adventurous, vivacious and energetic.

Personally, I find that having Zest in my day comes from being disease free, having adequate sleep, and having a great deal of muscular, cardiovascular and core strength, combined with a flexible body. These are the areas I can help you with right now.

In regard to being disease free, many of the diseases that face Americans today have been identified as preventable, or at least modifiable by diet and exercise such as the following:

Heart Disease 

A sedentary (inactive) lifestyle is one of the top risk factors for heart disease. Fortunately, it’s a risk factor that you can do something about. (below is the full article)

http://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/heart-disease-prevention-exercise

Cancer

People may be able to greatly reduce their risk of an often fatal form of cancer simply by exercising moderately and eating a healthy diet, according to a new study.  (below is the full article)

http://abcnews.go.com/Health/story?id=117270&page=1

Diabetes

The good news is that type 2 diabetes is largely preventable. About 9 cases in 10 could be avoided by taking several simple steps: keeping weight under control, exercising more, eating a healthy diet, and not smoking.  (below is the full article)

http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/preventing-diabetes-full-story/