If the problem of toxic wellness interests you, also read my other post HERE on this site; it gives you a background to this post. To support me on medium.com click HERE.
How to Spot a Toxic Wellness Myth.
We have quite a job to promote diversity and inclusivity within the wellness industry. As a Wellness Consultant I advocate science-based holistic wellness and health.
I have supported a lot of women who are scammed. I have seen the damage that it causes, so the purpose is to challenge the narrow definitions of beauty, wellness and health. We need to celebrate diversity in body types, abilities, and backgrounds.
An effective way to spot a toxic wellness message is to be critical of the messages you consume and check out the sources of those messages.
It is to your advantage to be discerning and to question the motives behind the messages you are receiving. By adopting a more responsible approach to wellness, you can protect yourself. We work towards a healthier and more robust industry by equipping ourselves with robust knowledge.
Toxic health myths refer to misleading or false beliefs and advice about health and wellness that can lead individuals to make unhealthy choices or negatively impact their physical and mental well-being. Toxic gurus and companies’ top priority is meeting their financial goals. And fair enough, we all need money to survive. But many use ticks to ‘hook’ you into their marketing speel.
Coercive Tactics
Whether you need the service or a product or not, you can often be made to ‘feel; that you need it, you must have it! Appealing to your emotions is a top tactic. It all goes downhill when we act upon our emotions only, instead of with our head. Knee jerk reactions, may cause us to make unwise decisions that may cost you more than you realise.
Using trick tactics or coercing people to believe a viewpoint or buying a wellness service or product is just plain wrong. Ethics and transparency are essential in any industry, so people can make informed decisions and set personal health goals with the correct information and support.
It is fair and proper to talk about the benefits of your product or service. Providing transparency and offering exceptional customer service is essential. This approach builds trust with a customer base and leads to long-term success for one’s business.
Some common toxic health myths include:
- Detox diets or cleanses can flush out toxins from the body.
- Vaccines cause autism.
- Certain foods like celery juice or apple cider vinegar can cure illnesses or increase weight loss.
- You must exercise to the point of pain or exhaustion to see results.
- Mental health issues are a sign of weakness and can be easily overcome by “just being positive.”
These are only a few examples of the myths we are bombarded with from the wellness industry gyrus.
To protect yourself from health and scams, be critical of the information you find online or on social media.
Always seek advice from reputable sources, such as healthcare providers, qualified wellness consultants, or scientific research.
Taking care of our health is a personal responsibility, and being aware of toxic health myths can help us make informed decisions for our well-being.
Why Does the Toxic Health Industry Survive?
Ah, this is a complex question with no easy answers. There are likely many reasons for the existence and success of a toxic health industry, but some factors that come to mind include profit motives, misinformation, and a lack of regulation.
Healthcare is a massive industry with billions of dollars at stake. Providers may prioritise earning money over patients, leading to over-treatment, unnecessary procedures, and overprescribing medications.
Wellness gurus and companies may prioritise profits over patient health, cutting corners in research or marketing products with known harmful side effects. Unfortunately, these profit-driven practices have contributed to the reputation of the health industry as being “toxic” for some.
Misinformation
Misinformation is another factor that can contribute to a toxic health industry. False information on social media or from unreliable sources can lead people to try ineffective or even dangerous treatments.
Because there is a potential to make big bucks, many unqualified people hop on the bandwagon. Because they are personable and attractive people and seemly successful, they are listened to, and as time goes on, they become famous figures in the industry. But not all are bad. I am highly suspicious of people who have yet to spend the time, effort and money to earn qualifications to better help others.
Toxic gurus must be held responsible for putting misinformation out there that affects the lives of so many. Meanwhile, providers may also hold onto outdated or unproven beliefs about particular conditions or treatments despite evidence to the contrary.
No Regulations
Regulations should be in place to protect people from harm. Still, even the most well-regulated industries can have bad actors. In the health industry, unethical providers or companies may find ways to skirt regulations or exploit loopholes for their own gain.
It’s a multi-faceted issue, but by holding providers and companies accountable to ethical and evidence-based practices and empowering people to make informed decisions about their health, we can work towards a healthier and less toxic health industry.
Compassionate and Inclusive Approach
I advocate a compassionate and inclusive approach to women’s wellness that should prioritise women’s physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health and well-being, recognising that each woman’s experience is unique.
W shaped by our race, experiences, ethnicity, culture, education, sexuality, and skill. Considering this, we need to acknowledge and address issues of inequality and discrimination that may impact women’s access to health care, education, and resources.
It also means offering a safe and supportive environment women can discuss their health concerns and receive culturally appropriate and respectful care.
Some specific aspects of an inclusive and gentle approach to women’s wellness include trauma-informed care and culturally sensitive approaches ensuring that women’s voices and unique needs are heard and valued in all health and wellness care aspects.
It’s important to remember that women’s wellness is not a one-size-fits-all concept for any age, and the approach taken should reflect women’s diverse needs and experiences.
Here are my 7 Wellness Tips That Work
1. Stay active: Regular physical activity can help maintain strength, balance, and flexibility.
2. Eat a healthy diet that works for you. Remember, your body can only function properly with daily lean protein and healthy fats, essential for good health and providing energy and vital nutrients.
3. Getting regular check-ups is a must. As women age, we should have. Regular check-ups with a healthcare provider to monitor any changes in health, including bone density, hormone levels, and other factors.
4. Staying connected by maintaining social and church connections can help reduce stress and improve mood.
5. Manage stress by practising stress-reducing techniques like meditation, yoga, or deep breathing can help promote relaxation.
6. Get enough sleep: A good night’s sleep can help improve your mood, energy, and mental clarity. And I do nothing wrong with napping during the day if needed!
7. Protect skin from sun exposure, which can cause skin damage and increase the risk of skin cancer, so it’s essential to protect your skin with clothing, hats, and sunscreen.
Remember, do not compare yourself with others. You are unique; every woman is remarkable and will have different needs and health considerations. As you age, learn what your changing needs are by visiting my website or purchasing my books and that of reputable well-being educators.
As a wellness consultant, I advocate for science-based holistic wellness and health. So, Please Contact your healthcare provider for guidance if you have any health concerns or issues.
Please share your stories about your coping and wellness strategies with us in the comments section.
Remember you only have one life, so- Live Life on Purpose in Faith, Hope, and Love-Virtual hugs – Paula Rose.
Paula Rose, An author/writer and wellness consultant. I enjoy writing about Holistic Wellness and developing my business. Wellness4Women helps women be happy and healthy with a holistic preventive health approach. I have worked internationally with over 40 years of experience, having a Bachelor of Pastoral Counselling and Theology and a Master of Arts in Counselling & Professional Development. For more Great tips, visit https://wellness4women.blog
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