Healthful living, believe it or not, is one of the most radical acts for anyone living in the world today.  Everywhere we’re surrounded by media images and pressures to conform to unhealthy behavior patterns such as indulging in unwholesome foods, use of legal and illegal drugs, engaging in destructive relationships and buying into a rabid consumer mentality.  To study, understand and actually practice healthful habits flies in the face of the drugs, scalpels, processed foods and endless array of products of the medica-pharma-agri-industrial complex.

Indeed healthful living is the best preparation for the Race for Life on Earth.  Fitness and strength will only get us so far because the sustainability and longevity of our fitness is dependant on our health.  According to Healthful Living International, an organization that promotes Natural Hygiene (or the science of natural health), the elements for optimal well-being are:

1. pure air
2. pure water
3. cleanliness-both internal and external
4. sleep
5. temperature maintenance
6. pure wholesome food to which we are biologically adapted
7. exercise and activity
8. sunshine upon our bodies
9. rest and relaxation
10. play and recreation
11. emotional poise
12. security of life and its means
13. pleasant environment
14. creative, useful work
15. self-mastery
16. belonging
17. motivation
18. expression of the natural instincts
19. indulgence of aesthetic senses
20. love

By living hygienically, or healthfully, we are enabled to rejuvenate and reach our full health potential.