Wellness is a holistic concept encompassing physical, mental, and social well-being rather than merely the absence of disease or infirmity. According to the World Health Organization, health is defined as a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being. Extending from this, wellness involves actively pursuing a balanced lifestyle that promotes optimal health, vitality, and a sense of purpose. It includes practices and habits that support physical fitness, emotional resilience, nutrition, stress management, and social connections, recognizing the interdependence of these factors in achieving overall quality of life.

Public healthcare is a government-funded system designed to provide medical services to all residents, typically at little or no direct cost at the point of use. It is funded through taxes and aims to ensure universal access to essential healthcare services. Examples include Medicare in the United States or the National Health Service (NHS) in the United Kingdom.

Private healthcare, on the other hand, involves medical services provided by private organizations or practitioners, often funded through private health insurance or out-of-pocket payments. Private healthcare usually offers faster access to services, a wider range of treatment options, and more personalized care environments. However, it tends to come with higher costs compared to public healthcare.

Individuals with private health insurance are entitled to the private health benefits outlined in their insurance policy. These benefits depend on the specific coverage they pay for and can include services such as private hospital stays, choice of doctor, elective surgeries, specialist consultations, and alternative therapies. It is important to understand that private health insurance benefits are not automatic entitlements but are based on the terms, conditions, and limits of the policy purchased by the insured individual.

Discrimination in the health system refers to the unfair or prejudicial treatment of individuals or groups based on characteristics such as race, ethnicity, gender, age, socioeconomic status, disability, sexual orientation, or cultural background. This can result in unequal access to healthcare services, differences in the quality of care provided, or biased attitudes from healthcare professionals. Discrimination in healthcare can lead to poorer health outcomes, reduced trust in medical providers, and increased health disparities among marginalized populations. Addressing discrimination requires awareness, cultural competence, and systemic changes to ensure equitable treatment for all patients.

Discrimination against somebody's surname can indeed be a real phenomenon. Surnames often carry cultural, ethnic, or social connotations, and individuals might face bias or prejudice based on their last names. This type of discrimination can manifest in various settings such as employment, education, social interactions, or even healthcare, where assumptions or stereotypes influence the treatment someone receives.

Such bias may stem from unconscious stereotypes, xenophobia, or historical prejudices linked to certain ethnic or cultural groups. For example, studies have shown that job applicants with certain ethnic-sounding surnames might receive fewer callbacks compared to those with more common or locally accepted names.

While discrimination based on surname is less discussed compared to racial or gender discrimination, it is still a valid concern that can affect a person's opportunities and social experiences. Promoting awareness about this bias can lead to more inclusive and fair treatment across different spheres of life.

When you don’t feel safe because of intruders, random comments, or behaviors during your normal day, prioritize your immediate safety first. Remove yourself from the situation as quickly and calmly as possible. Find a secure place where you can be protected, such as a locked room or a public area with people nearby. If possible, call emergency services or a trusted contact to inform them of your situation.

Trust your instincts—if something feels off, it’s important to take it seriously. Avoid engaging with the person causing discomfort or escalating the situation. Stay aware of your surroundings and look for exit routes.

After the immediate threat is managed, consider seeking support. This could include talking to friends, family, or professionals who can help you process your experience and develop strategies for feeling safe going forward.

In holistic wellness, nurturing your mental and emotional well-being is essential after any distressing event. Practices such as grounding exercises, mindful breathing, or gentle yoga can help restore calm. If needed, reach out to wellness professionals for guidance and healing support.

An excuse is a reason or explanation put forward to justify or defend a fault, mistake, or failure to do something. People commonly use excuses to avoid taking responsibility, to reduce feelings of guilt or embarrassment, or to protect their self-esteem. Excuses often serve as a psychological defense mechanism that allows individuals to rationalize their behavior or lack of action, making it easier to cope with setbacks or criticism.

An ill-feeling or the sudden awareness of someone who seems not to have your best interest in mind can indicate several things from a holistic wellness perspective.

It often signals your intuition or subconscious picking up on subtle cues or energies that your conscious mind may not immediately recognize. This feeling can serve as a protective alert, encouraging you to set boundaries or take a step back from situations or relationships that might be harmful or draining.

In holistic terms, such experiences can also reflect unresolved emotional or energetic imbalances within yourself. Sometimes these feelings arise because you are unconsciously projecting fears or past experiences onto present interactions. It’s important to pause, observe your emotional state, and assess whether this discomfort stems from an external source or internal anxiety.

Practices such as mindfulness, meditation, or energy healing (like Reiki) can help you gain clarity and calm your mind. You might also consider journaling about the experience to explore underlying thoughts or fears. Ultimately, trust your intuition as a valuable guide, but also balance it with rational evaluation to make decisions that support your overall wellness.

Discernment is the ability to perceive, recognize, and distinguish between different options, truths, or courses of action. It involves careful judgment and insight, allowing individuals to make thoughtful decisions based on understanding and evaluation rather than impulse or external influence.

Everyone possesses some degree of discernment, as it is a fundamental cognitive and emotional skill. However, the level of discernment varies from person to person, influenced by factors such as experience, education, emotional intelligence, and mindfulness.

Discernment is not a fixed trait; it can be developed and enhanced through practices such as self-reflection, learning, and holistic wellness activities like meditation or yoga.

Discernment is not a disability. Instead, it is a valuable ability that supports personal growth, well-being, and effective decision-making in all areas of life. When discernment is impaired or underdeveloped, it may be due to external factors like stress, misinformation, or cognitive challenges, but the potential for improvement remains.

In holistic wellness, cultivating discernment helps individuals make choices that align with their health, values, and life goals.

Professionalism involves maintaining respectful, clear, and consistent communication, delivering services reliably, and upholding ethical standards that foster trust and confidence. Different levels of professionalism can be outlined as follows:

Basic Professionalism:

Prompt and courteous responses to inquiries.

Clear communication regarding services, pricing, and scheduling.

Maintaining confidentiality and privacy of client information.

Intermediate Professionalism:

Personalised client interactions to build rapport and understanding.

Consistent follow-ups to ensure client satisfaction.

Transparent handling of client feedback and concerns.

Adhering to industry standards and ethical guidelines.

Advanced Professionalism:

Proactive client education on wellness topics to enhance outcomes.

Customised service delivery based on detailed client assessments.

Continual professional development to provide cutting-edge practices.

Establishing long-term partnerships through loyalty programs or exclusive offerings.

Benchmark for Professionalism:
In holistic wellness services like yoga, massage,

Being professional means demonstrating a consistent commitment to integrity, competence, and respect in the workplace. It involves maintaining a high standard of behaviour, including

punctuality, reliability, and effective communication. Professionals are accountable for their actions, show respect for colleagues and clients, and uphold confidentiality. They continuously seek to improve their skills and knowledge while adhering to ethical guidelines relevant to their field. In essence, professionalism fosters trust, efficiency, and positive relationships in any business environment.