Personal Wellness: How to Go the Distance

This book is a creative blend of health philosophy and practical applications in personal growth for adults. It was developed over fifteen years from the use of a synthesis of materials that are on the leading edge of health promotion, disease prevention, motivation theory, inspirational thought and scientific research on health behavior change. It is an integrated approach that deals with the four dimensions of well-being: the physiologic - optimizing health of the body; mental - practicing skills in stress management, decision making and life planning; psychosocial - understanding self and relationship skills; and spiritual - using core beliefs, purpose in life and transcendent connections to inspire high quality living.

Drawing from their personal experience to balance and integrate their lifestyles and to meet challenging obstacles and major setbacks, Dr. & Mrs. Bacchus have achieved a breath of coverage and a depth of personal application that have helped hundreds of adult students and workshop attendees develop their own plans for personal wellness. The materials have been used in workshops and seminars at major worksites, in a college level course at the University of Maryland University College, and in presentations to physicians and healthcare professionals on topics such as "The Future of Healthcare: A Model for Healing the Whole Person."

Starting with the basics of how the human body works, the authors have defined a framework for understanding the interdependence of the body and mind. This framework is then applied to the four dimensions of function to show how whole-person function is so much greater than the mere sum of parts. The result is a practical, personal approach to self-examination, self-understanding, self-acceptance, self-management and self-actualization. This, of course, within the individuals core beliefs. No one course of action is prescribed. The path to designing a personal action plan is illuminated.

This book may be used as a self-study, customized program, or as an instructor lead course in wellness. After completing the practical application exercises throughout, users of this material will be able to use the book to teach their own wellness promotion program, if they so desire, and to have a workbook for their long-term personal wellness plan.

Alban N. Bacchus is currently the Associate Director, Healthcare Services Division of Engineering Systems Solutions, Inc. (ESS), the high-tech company recently awarded the Washington Business Journal's Fast-Track citation as the fastest growing company in the Washington, DC region.

Dr. Bacchus became qualified as a Medical Technologist in 1971 and worked full-time while he completed college, earned a Masters degree from Andrews University and a PhD degree from Michigan State University. After a three-year postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Virginia, two years of college teaching and a one-year teaching assistantship in the Department of Health Education at the University of Maryland, he went to work for the Division of Cardiac Surgery at Washington Hospital Center, Washington, DC.

Dr. Bacchus developed the course "Personal Wellness & Self-Realization" for University of Maryland University College in 1984 and, together with his wife, Carol, has facilitated the course one semester each year since then. As Associate Director for Education in the Healthcare Services Division of ESS, he has developed a workshop series for consumers, a two-day course for wellness in the workplace and a continuing medical education course for physicians and allied health professionals.

Carol Bacchus worked as an X-ray Technician and Administrative Assistant for several years in a hospital environment before giving up both to be a full-time home-maker. Al and Carol are parents of three adult children and grandparents of the world's most precious three year old girl! Carol enjoys reading and walking as leisure activities, while Al's recreational passion is racquetball.