I give a lot of medical advice. Sometimes I feel like a broken record by repeatedly relaying the message that the secret of health is to maintain a healthy lifestyle. However, there is another more important secret that goes beyond the day-to-day choices that include food and exercise. It addresses personal power and what drives us. What I am talking about is having a sense of purpose.

I know to some this may sound like psychobabble. However, let me tell you about the nun study. Since 1986, a group of researchers has been studying nuns while they are alive and examining their brains after they die. They have been able to identify some of the risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease. They have found that those with a positive outlook who were continually exercising their brains were less likely to develop the disease.

The most interesting finding was that there were some nuns who died and then Alzheimer’s disease was found on autopsy, but they showed no signs of the disease in life. Those women had a positive attitude and a sense of purpose. That seemed to be enough to keep them healthy and functional.

A study of 155 senior citizens done in Chicago found that those seniors with a sense of purpose were 2.4% more likely to remain mentally sharp than those who did not. Those who were outgoing and self-satisfied were 50% less likely to develop Alzheimer’s. This attitude may boost the immune system and protect blood vessels.

There are so many things that we do not know. But, I am convinced that we all possess an amazing power. That is the power of our minds. It could be what is behind the placebo effect or perhaps it is just what overall wellness is about. Regardless, if you want to find the path to healing or maximum health, it is important to find your passion and you own personal path in life and then follow it!