What is WellNow

Health. This word is tossed around daily by many people and groups—our friends and family, the media, our doctors and a range of companies, to name a few. It can be used in a variety of ways, but what does it mean? The World Health Organization defines health as “a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity”. Many different factors can impact an individual’s health and the health of a population. For example, what we eat, our levels of physical activity and stress, and how much sleep we get are among the lifestyle choices that have a significant impact on our health and wellness. The amount of social support and connectedness a person has can also affect their health status.

Unhealthy lifestyles can lead to chronic diseases, such as diabetes, asthma, hypertension, heart disease or osteoarthritis. These diseases can impact an individual’s quality of life, increase the cost of medical care and lead to premature death. Fortunately, chronic diseases are often preventable.

By making an effort to learn about how to be healthy, and by taking the time to incorporate healthy living into your own life, you can improve and maintain your health. Having access to excellent health care is an important part of staying healthy. St. Luke’s University Health Network is introducing this section of our website to provide you with information and resources to get you started. We encourage you to explore, learn and come back frequently. Make St. Luke’s not just where you come when you are sick, but the place you go to be healthy.

WellNOW… Prevention IS medicine!