don's report archive

by Donald B. Ardell, Ph. D.

Wellness in the Headlines
(Don's Report to the World)

Did some of our distant ancestors live wellness lifestyles? How far back do you think wellness-like lifestyles can be traced? Let me speculate a bit, then offer an opinion on these questions.

I think the first wellness seeker was an ancestor common to man and apes. He probably lived in Africa. Unlike today's wellness seekers, he had no access to books or newsletters about wellness, no conferences and no corporate or tribal incentives to choose wisely. It is unlikely that this critter had many bad habits -- conditions did not predispose to obesity, substance abuse or other similar aberrations that inhibit prosperity and well being today. This animal, a cross perhaps between King Kong and Arnold Schwarzenegger, appreciated the importance of self-responsibility. The likelihood of being devoured increased if not paying attention. 

It's a pity fear of being eaten is not a factor in modern life. Such a concern would definitely convince more Americans to join health clubs and take better care of themselves. 

About four million years ago, this part-human, part ape critter evolved into the species Australopithecus, the first official hominid and the first of the ape relatives to walk upright. Before long, "Aussie", as he was known, began to stretch, do yoga, jog and master the fundamentals of exercise science. In time, Australopithecus gave way to or evolved into Homo habilis, a short-lived species (as species go). Homo habilis was the first to use tools. 

Closer to our time, in fact only two million years ago, a flick of an eye in cosmic terms, there came upon the scene the genus Homo erectus. I'm not sure what this group did to distinguish themselves. Our guys--Homo sapiens, appeared on the scene a mere 150,000 years ago. At this stage, primitive wellness was primed to take off. 

Among the moderns, the Greeks get a lot of credit for wellness values. Did you know the Greek word for wellness was 'regimen,' a term we use today that could describe a pattern of thinking and acting consistent with a wellness lifestyle. According to Merriam-Webster, a regimen is "a systematic plan (as of diet, therapy, or medication), especially when designed to improve and maintain the health of a patient." Of course, there is no need to focus on wellness as something for a patient. On the contrary, one reason to pursue wellness is to reduce the chances of becoming a patient. In any event, regimen today means "a regular course of action, especially of strenuous training."

Greek regimens demonstrated that these people knew lifestyle choices affected quality of life. They celebrated the heights of well being by inventing the Olympic Games. 

So, yes, I think our distant ancestors lived wellness lifestyles. Stand proud, respect these true pioneers and do your part. If enough of us develop good regimens, our species Homo sapiens might not fade into history before we give way to the next evolutionary advance. Well, let's hope it's an advance, while acknowledging there are no guarantees.

Be well. Always look on the bright side of life.

(Note: This essay will be filed in the archives in the MENTAL DOMAIN under the skill area of factual knowledge. Additional articles related to this theme may be found there.)

(Ed. Note: Views expressed in this and other columns are those of the author and not necessarily those of the SeekWellness Editorial Board.)

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