My Perspective on Health and Its Relationship to Indigenous People 

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I am passionate about subjects that have a major impact on my present and future life. I am passionate about health and fitness. I am very passionate about fitness and healthy living. In the next paragraph, I would like to compare my passion for health with the Indigenous perspective. I have discovered that many people give preference to self-care and good health over secondary elements of life. Self-care is a living practice for all Indigenous peoples, living well and in peace is a primary aspect of the daily reality of Indigenous communities. I try to live a healthy lifestyle. I am a strong believer in the maintenance of good health. I always try to promote good health practices in my community zone. I encourage my family and friends to live healthy lifestyles. Similarly, Indigenous people encourage living the ‘good life’. Indigenous people seem to have a deeper understanding of “being healthy”, The well-being of the Indigenous person is achieved when the person is physically, mentally, intellectually, and spiritually connected and in tune with the universe and other beings. Indigenous people strive to be in line with the greater powers and to be at one with the universe and all creatures.

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Many Indigenous communities have shamans, a healer, or a medical person. Indigenous people use plants and other animal-derived products as sources of medication. Indigenous communities have discovered tobacco and hundreds of other plant species and used them in their traditional medicines.  I believe Indigenous health and medicine still relate to our modern-day life. For example, I believe the Shaman is needed now more than ever to bridge the gap between society and spirituality. Shamans are needed to restore equilibrium between us and the universe and to keep us in line with our high powers. Many Indigenous people have an understanding that a ‘good life’ comes with a healthy body, mind, and spirit. I also try to promote good health and healthy lives amongst my family and friends. I'm passionate about fitness and working out. I love being active. I like traveling outside on adventures, I like experiencing new things. Exercise helps me emotionally and physically when I'm stressed out or feeling down. I believe that maintaining a healthy body is vital to living a good life. Physical strength is required in order to improve the quality of life.