What are they and why are they important?

Wellness
“Wellness” has been defined as a complete state of physical, emotional, and social well-being, and is much more than just the absence of disease. Wellness involves how our bodies respond to the way we think, feel and act; how we cope with stress; and how we rest, restore balance, and keep fit. Wellness and life skills go hand in hand.

Everyone can learn how to experience a deeper state of relaxation and well-being and use his or her natural healing system to help manage life’s challenges.

Life Skills
Life skills competency is acquired through many learning experiences and is an essential component of wellness.

“Life skills” refers to a broad spectrum of coping and self-management skills that support health. These include managing stress and feelings; decision-making and critical thinking; and communication and interpersonal skills such as empathy, cooperation, teamwork, and advocacy.

Training in wellness and life skills helps both children and adults stay healthier and happier.

The Meaning of Qi
You will see the Qi symbol throughout our web site. In traditional Chinese culture Qi (or chi) is part of every living thing, often translated as “life force” or “energy flow.” Our programs and services help children and adults develop balanced and free-flowing Qi, for greater health and happiness.

Pennie’s Philosophy of Well-Being
Pennie believes that adults and children can enjoy learning about physical, emotional, and social well-being through individualized training and engaging programs for use at home, school, and work. Her approach to health and wellness integrates numerous therapies (see sidebar).

Addressing a National Health Crisis
Not counting acute diseases, more than half of all Americans suffer from one or more chronic diseases, and the rates of disease in the U.S. have risen dramatically. The human suffering is enormous, as is the economic toll on families and society-over $1.3 trillion annually.

Each of the seven most chronic diseases has been linked to behavioral and environmental risk factors that can be addressed by a deeper understanding of wellness and life skills. In today’s world, many adults try to manage multiple stresses that can lead to conditions such as addictions, allergies, asthma, depression, fatigue, hypertension, insomnia, and weight gain.

Science continues to reveal a relationship between health and factors such as health literacy, stress, weight, fitness, nutrition, happiness, and community. Mind-body therapies and life skills training can lower the risk of disease, reduce symptoms, and help everyone achieve better health and happiness.

Disclaimer
Our programs and website do not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. The contents of the Pennie Sempell & Company programs and website, such as text, images, graphics, spoken word, activities and other material are for educational and informational purposes only; and are not intended to be a replacement for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The self-help techniques offered in this program are based on time-honored traditions and research based approaches. They can supplement, but are not a substitute for, medical care provided by a medical doctor.