Susceptibility and the Determinants of Health

I forgot how beautiful fall is in New England, but I'm quickly remembering why it has always been my favorite season. I have been amazed while I witness the leaves turn, constantly thinking, "This moment must be the peak of the season", then seeing the following day that the reds are even more red and the yellows are even more yellow. As I look out my office window right now, I am struck by the difference in each individual tree- one maple has dropped all but the last lonesome leaves from its branches, while the beech next to it is still in the height of its blossom with it's yellow leaves the color of summer sunshine. The maple lost its leaves after a very windy night last week, but the beech held onto its leaves like mittens to cover its chilly branches during the storm.

Witnessing this got me thinking about why it is that these trees, exposed to the same natural elements, have such different responses to the same stressor. It is the same way with people- we each have different responses to our own "weather" of life stressors. Have you ever wondered why when the flu goes around, some people tend to catch every one while others (luckily) go unscathed every time? Or is it luck?

I believe that it is related to what we naturopaths call your "susceptibility"- the ability of a stressor to trigger a reaction. This stressor could be an emotional sressor like the loss of a loved one or a physical stressor like exposure to a cold or flu. So what are the factors that influence our susceptibility and how can we affect them?

This brings us to the ever-so-important "determinants of health". This phrase refers to all of the things that contribute to our health as a complete physical, mental, and emotional person. They are like the building blocks used to construct the foundation for our health. Some of these things are relatively out of our control. Others are completely in our control and are related to the choices that we make each and every day.

Let's start at the beginning. A large part of who you are comes from the genetic blueprint that was passed down to you from your mother and father, and this was certainly out of your control. Genetics provide a great example of our susceptibility. For example, there is a gene that has been linked to Celiac disease, and we now can test for that gene. If that test shows that you carry that gene, it does not mean that you have Celiac disease- what it means is that you have the potential to develop Celiac disease. Genetic testing is a measure of one's susceptibility.

For each of us, the factors that determine our health are different. But we do share some in common that you could probably name yourself- diet, exercise, clean water, a safe home, strong emotional support, a feeling of purpose in life, etc. Each of these other determinants of health play a key role in our susceptibility to illness. The beauty is that unlike genetics, these factors are all within our control. We have the opportunity to change the way that we live our lives. Which of these building blocks needs work in your life? Perhaps it is improving your diet, or quitting smoking, or healing a strained relationship.

As a naturopathic doctor, I think it is of the utmost importance to recognize what these factors are in your life and see which are strengths in your life and which need more work. I also see this as my job- to assist my patients in identifying and strengthening these determinants of health. If we are constantly making improvements to our lifestyle, we are practicing preventative medicine. And to me, that is the most effective medicine!

Thanks for reading!

Be Well,
Dr. Jaclyn Chasse

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