I cringe every time a medication commercial comes on. Most of them play on the fears of those watching them and with such a wide reach, I’m always concerned about their impact.

Sure, medication can be helpful, and in some cases, absolutely necessary. I just wish we put more emphasis on wellness, what people need to do to prevent various illnesses in the first place and ways to heal that get to the root cause of the problem before medication or surgery are offered up as options.

That’s why it’s important to check the sources of your information and understand the motivations behind what you’re being told.

If your best interest is not the priority, you can be easily mislead based on whoever’s narrative you’re listening to.

With this in mind, I’d like to expose 3 health myths that can hold you back from being your best self.

1. You will experience the same diseases that all of your family members had

You are not a victim of your genetics. 

Did you know that your lifestyle and thought life can have a significant impact on your health and well-being?

Your lifestyle, the habits you create and the toxic things you put in and on your body increase the chances of you becoming sick and developing chronic diseases.

That’s right. You’re not predestined – or doomed  – to have whatever condition your family member had. 

You have the ability to choose differently, and in some cases, better, than previous generations and break the cycle of sickness and premature death.

2. Getting older means you’ll become more frail and be full of aches, pains and sickness

Your body is designed to heal and thrive. Even when we neglect to nourish it properly, get enough rest or move it around, it does it’s best to recalibrate and maintain internal stability.

You’re not inherently deficient or incapable of being and staying well.

Oftentimes our battles are with the things we interact with in our external environments that negatively impact us, or the things that are lacking in our diet, or the lifestyle practices that are less than helpful – not our bodies.

Your body wants you to be well.

3. Stress is beneficial 

Stress causes a series of reactions in your body that are the same whether you’re studying to get that degree or being chased by a hungry bear.

Over time, stress will make your body to malfunction. Your stress reaction causes inflammation and creates an internal environment that makes vulnerable to all types of diseases, including cancer, heart disease and diabetes.

It’s not something to accept as normal or to continue to struggle with. You should confront your stress and work toward getting rid of it so you can move from surviving to thriving.

Be mindful of fear based narratives. A lack of knowledge and understanding can be used to influence your decision making, guiding you down unnecessary paths that don’t do much to improve your health and well-being, but do manage to maintain your sickness and avoid the root cause of your problems.

You’re in charge! And everyday you get to choose healthful practices to ensure the quality and longevity of your life.

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So tell me in the comments below, which of these health myths were you unaware? I’d love to know!