How Healthy You Feel is Not How Healthy You Are

Picture this: It’s a crisp morning in the park, and Mr. Sharma, a sprightly 62-year-old, is proudly holding court among his morning walk friends. “I don’t need doctors,” he declares confidently. “I feel as fit as a fiddle!” His group nods in agreement, admiring his energy and enthusiasm. What he doesn’t share, though, is that he’s skipped his annual health check-up for three years straight because, in his words, “Why fix what isn’t broken?”

Mr. Sharma’s story is all too familiar. Many of us equate feeling fine with being healthy. If we’re not coughing, limping, or bedridden, we assume all is well. But health is a lot like an iceberg—what’s visible is only a small fraction of what’s really there. And as Mr. Sharma learns, health isn’t just about what you feel; it’s about what you don’t know.

One sunny afternoon, while shopping at the local market, Mr. Sharma suddenly feels dizzy. As he sits down to steady himself, concerned passersby urge him to call his family. He’s rushed to the doctor, who, after a battery of tests, delivers some unexpected news: Mr. Sharma has high blood pressure, borderline diabetes, and early signs of heart issues. “But I feel fine!” he protests. His doctor patiently explains that these conditions have been silently developing over the years. Left unchecked, they could have led to severe complications. His confidence in his “good health” was, in reality, a ticking time bomb.

This is the danger of relying on how we feel to assess our health. Research shows that over 50% of people with high blood pressure are unaware they have it. Similarly, conditions like diabetes, high cholesterol, and osteoporosis often remain silent until they cause significant damage. Our bodies are remarkably adaptive. They can mask symptoms and maintain balance even when underlying issues are brewing. “okay” doesn’t mean all is well—think of it as a car running smoothly while its engine oil quietly dries up. By the time the warning light flashes, the damage may already be done.

What makes this even trickier is the way the body compensates for imbalances. High blood pressure, for example, doesn’t cause noticeable symptoms for most people, but over time it silently damages the heart and arteries. Similarly, osteoporosis can progress unnoticed until a sudden fracture brings it to light. Even mental health can be deceptive—stress or mild anxiety may hide behind a busy routine or feelings of fatigue, leaving us unaware of the toll it’s taking on our overall well-being.

Health is a complex interplay of physical, mental, and emotional factors. It’s not just about avoiding diseases; it’s about maintaining overall well-being. Physically, regular screenings are essential for catching conditions like hypertension, diabetes, or cholesterol issues early. Early detection often means easier and more effective management. Mentally, it’s important to recognize that “normal” doesn’t always mean optimal. Cognitive decline or chronic stress can sneak up on you, affecting your productivity and relationships. Emotionally, staying connected with loved ones, engaging in hobbies, and addressing feelings of loneliness or sadness are crucial for a balanced life.

So, how can we avoid Mr. Sharma’s mistake? The answer is simple: Don’t wait for the wake-up call. Proactively invest in your health before problems arise. Start with the basics: schedule an annual health check-up, even if you feel perfectly fine. Pay attention to your diet—swap out fried treats for fresh fruits and nuts. Incorporate regular exercise into your routine, whether it’s a brisk 30-minute walk or a calming yoga session. Keep your mind engaged with activities like reading, solving puzzles, or trying out a new skill. And don’t forget your emotional well-being—talk to friends and family, join a community group, or seek professional help if you need it.

Health isn’t something you can afford to take for granted. It’s an investment, not an expense. The earlier you start, the greater your returns. Just ask Mr. Sharma. Post-diagnosis, he turned his life around. He now attends yoga classes regularly, has (mostly) swapped his beloved pakoras for sprouts, and encourages his friends to prioritize their health. Today, he’s not just feeling fine—he truly is fine.

The lesson here is simple: True health isn’t just about feeling good today; it’s about making sure you’ll still feel good tomorrow. Don’t wait for a crisis to force you into action. Take charge of your well-being now, and give yourself the best gift you can—good health for years to come

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