Let’s begin with a good health definition in general. The WHO health definition (World Health Organization), albeit from 1948: “Health is a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity”. Assuming that’s true, what’s the definition of physical health and does good health naturally mean that “all natural” is good, especially as it applies to food?What’s the definition of physical health?Is there one?Based on the WHO health definition as it applies to physical health, is it safe to say that simply because everything is working as it should in the absence of disease or infirmity (weakness or ailment), that we’re not necessarily in good physical health?What do you think?I personally believe there is more to being healthy in the moment. On the other hand, I also believe that because we are only guaranteed the present, if you’re healthy, don’t take it for granted. Enjoy it while you can.I also believe the state of our physical health depends largely on our personal health plan. In other words, it depends on how well we take care of ourselves on a regular basis. That includes:

Eating habits

Exercise habits or lack thereof

Sleep habits

Spiritual habits

General living habits
Without seeming as though I am a pundit, expert or zealot about any of the aforementioned, that I am personally the definition of physical health, the definition of spiritual health, or anything that resembles the definition of good health, in a nutshell, what I’m saying is all the bullet points have a bearing on our physical health.What do you think?It’s about good healthOne dictionary provides this definition of health:”The general condition of the body or mind with reference to soundness and vigor: good health; poor health.”The ancient Roman poet Virgil said, “The greatest wealth is health”.I couldn’t agree more but I am a bit troubled by the amount of over-emphasis placed on physical health, as if it is mutually exclusive from the other aspects of health.I believe health is about:

Physical

Mental

Emotional

Spiritual

Financial
The “soundness and vigor” in which we pursue and maintain these factors has a direct and indirect effect on each and every one of the factors.Furthermore, I find it troubling that the word wealth is so overly associated with money and financial wealth.It’s not to say that I don’t see the importance of physical health and financial wealth. They are both key components of overall health but they are not stand-alone concepts.What are your thoughts?All NaturalThe “all natural” phenomenon, especially as it applies to food, is one of the biggest marketing ploys ever. If it’s not a scam, it’s a joke.It means nothing!There is a HUGE difference between organic and all natural. Don’t confuse the two and by all means don’t fall for the propaganda that leads you to believe they are one and the same. They’re not.Organic, at least as it applies to food, is highly regulated. It actually means something. However, keep in mind that just because it’s organic doesn’t necessarily mean it’s healthy.All natural can mean pretty much anything. As far as the food we eat is concerned, it is not regulated. It is a highly misleading tag.Don’t be fooled.I’m not saying don’t enjoy it. I’m not saying all natural is bad. I’m simply saying it’s about as superfluous term as there ever was. There is no depth to it.My formulaFor me, it all boils down to a few simple concepts and principles beginning with:

Honesty

Respect

Best Effort
These are indispensable. They cost nothing and should be applied at all times.Next are the 5 F’s:

Food – Not just what we eat but includes anything we consume physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. If we are what we eat, this says it all.

Fitness – Includes all the 5 bullet points mentioned above

Finances – Affected by the previous two and affects the previous and next two

Fulfillment – It’s about completion and includes all the bullet points mentioned

Fun – The importance of how it affects health and is affected by it is often overlooked
I have tagged the 5 F’s as the components of a bulletproof life.To sum it up, all the above is important but the proper balance is the key. I believe too many of us are simply out of balance. Furthermore, there is not a one-size-fits-all balancing act.Last but not least, from the late, great Redd Foxx:”Health nuts are going to feel stupid someday, lying in hospitals dying of nothing.”Agree? Disagree?Leave comments.

To new business owners, starting a business is often its own reward. They are thrilled to be able to be their own bosses, and to successfully get a business up and running. Often they are happy just to keep the dream alive.But every business needs to grow. That doesn’t mean you have to reach out to a larger market – it means working toward increasing your share of the one you are targeting. This will keep your business healthy enough to survive obstacles such as tough economic times.In order to keep moving forward, we need to market our businesses constantly. We need to dedicate a certain percentage of our resources to building our brand and reaching our target market. Here are some simple things you can do to help your business grow.Have a clear picture of your target market. Find out what types of people use the products and services you provide and respond to your business philosophies. If you’re not marketing to the right people, all will be lost.Research, research, research. Determine how to best reach your target market and what they expect out of your offerings. Study your competition carefully, and make note of what they’re doing right and wrong.Choose your marketing channels wisely.If your target market rarely reads, there’s no point in advertising in a magazine. Use what you’ve learned about them to find the best possible outlets for your message, and focus your marketing efforts there.Give your advertising a chance. Studies show that consumers require repeated exposure to a product before they will even consider buying. So don’t be surprised if one ad run doesn’t bring spectacular results. If you’ve done your homework and found a viable way to reach your market, run the ad at least two more times before you evaluate the results.Take advantage of free publicity. Sending out press releases and finding other ways to attract the media will give you high-quality exposure, and it won’t eat into your budget.Keep track of the effectiveness of your marketing efforts. If what you’re doing is working, you should be generating more revenue. Use some of that revenue to do more marketing. If it isn’t working, make adjustments and try again.Sometimes you’ll have to take a step back with your marketing plans. But that’s not a sign you’ve failed. It’s a sign that you’re a smart marketer. Sometimes the market changes, and it’s up to us to monitor those changes and adjust our marketing plans accordingly. No successful company markets the same way forever. By evolving with our target market, we can make our marketing work better.

It is vitally important that commercial truck drivers have some type of medical care plan due to the high rate of illnesses and injuries that they sustain. Most commercial truck drivers health is not the best and could be improved through better food choices. Typically, many truckers diets consist of far too many unhealthy food choices. High blood pressure, diabetes and obesity are a few of the conditions which require regular medical treatment. Accidents, injuries, heart attacks and strokes are some of the serious conditions which would require drivers to seek emergency room care. Health Insurance for truck drivers would cover these conditions and many more. Health insurance plans differentiate based on whether they provide regular health insurance or major medical health insurance.Regular health insurance covers basic routine procedures. This includes regular exams and routine illnesses. This also includes colds, flu shots, vaccinations, ear infections, minor injuries, etc. It does not include coverage for serious health problems.Major medical health insurance is for serious health concerns. This covers serious illnesses such as cancer, heart disease, strokes, accidents, etc. No one can ever predict when a medical emergency will occur as one could occur anywhere, and anytime to anyone. Serious medical problems such as these are very expensive and could financially devastate those who don’t have insurance coverage.Major medical plans are often sold in combination with a comprehensive health plan that covers preventive care. One can be used to cover basic health care expenses such as routine doctor visits such as infections, colds, flu, minor injuries, etc. The other can be used to cover expensive emergency room visits and the treatment of serious diseases and long-term illnesses.Many commercial truck drivers, especially independent operators don’t have any health insurance plan. Fortunately, a new plan offered by the Owner Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) can help by offering a basic health care plan. OOIDA is a company which fights for the rights of all professional truckers. OOIDA has introduced a plan called “My Community Care.” This is not an insurance plan but rather a membership program which provides medical care for injuries or illnesses as well as preventive health and wellness services. This plan does not cover life-threatening conditions or serious injuries. This health plan is available to truck drivers and their families.This is a membership based program so interested drivers must join OOIDA and can do so for a very nominal fee. New members have 60 days from the effective date of their membership to enroll in the “My Community Care” Program. The open enrollment for the “My Community Care” program for current members has been extended until May 31, 2012. The cost for this program is $89.00 per month. That is your only cost for most services. All visits to the center for you and your family are provided at no additional cost. Infants are eligible once they reach six months of age. Adult children are covered through the age of 26. There are no exclusions for pre-existing conditions. There are no deductibles or co-pays at the direct health care centers. This is certainly a very affordable option for many drivers.Services provided include illness, injuries, preventive care, general care and urgent care. The wide range of services offered include vaccinations, colds, flu, sprains, back pain, urinary tract infections, minor burns, sinus infections, bronchitis and annual work, school, sports and DOT physicals. Additional services offered are x-ray and imaging services. Limited lab work is provided at no cost.OOIDA has contracted with over 1,300 direct health care centers throughout the United States to provide this service. One of the participating centers is Concentra Medical Center. Many truck drivers are already familiar with Concentra because it is a place where many of them obtain medical services and get their DOT physical. Services at these direct health care centers are available at no additional cost. A nationwide network of over 17,000 providers has been contracted for additional services such chiropractic and physical therapy. These services are available to members at a 25% to 30% discount. Discounts are available on eyewear including contact lenses, prescription drugs, dental care and diabetic care supplies. Discounts are also available for MRI and CT scans. Additional services include a 24 hour nurse-doctors hotline. Not all services are available at all locations.All commercial truck drivers that are OOIDA members are eligible to sign up for this program. Many uninsured drivers and their families have postponed or gone without basic medical care even when ill due to a shortage of funds. With this plan all of them could obtain basic health care when needed. Truck drivers health should improve with regular access to health care. Although, this is not an insurance program it is a program which drivers can access and have peace of mind knowing that they and their families can get basic health care at a very nominal cost.