Whole health: a prescription for the new millennium

Good health is not a miracle or a stroke of luck. In addition to genetic factors, a number of commonsense lifestyle changes can influence the quality of life. These include diet, exercise and stress reduction. In addition, the role of yoga, meditation and spirituality as adjuncts to promotion of healthy living is being explored. A holistic preventive approach will ensure good health in the majority of individuals and it is never too late to start. Such measures will alter the biological gradient of physiological decline commonly associated with aging and premature death. At the same time, it is to be emphasized that the essential goal is to improve the quality of years lived, not necessarily to add years to life. Truth and correct knowledge will help to identify the true paths to good health. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.