The other day my husband and I attended the 9 News Health Fair. We had never been before and were amazed by array of tests offered: cholesterol, diabetes, lung capacity, bone density, body fat composition, and even cardiac risk assessment. My husband made the comment that there are all kinds of test to find out what is wrong with us – but what about what is right?

It’s easy to get caught up in all the things that can go wrong. You don’t have the TV on very long to see several commercials for medications for conditions you never even knew existed. One of the reasons so many people exercise and eat healthy is to avoid medical conditions down the road. But, what is the true cost of a healthy lifestyle?

As one of the medical professionals asked me how often I consumed alcohol, I wondered to myself if I would give it up if asked to by a doctor. Fortunately, I only have a few drinks a week, so it’s not really an issue. But, say you really love having a glass of wine with dinner or get together with friends every week at a local bar. If those activities brought you great joy – would you eliminate them for the sake of your health? Were does happiness and enjoyment factor into our overall well being?

Some one could be a perfect picture of a healthy lifestyle: exercising daily, no alcohol, no junk food, perfect portions filled with lean meats, fruits, and vegetables. But, what if they hated all of it? Isn’t it nice to have a luscious dessert? Isn’t it nice to enjoy a margarita without beating yourself up for the calories in it? One could be perfectly healthy, but miserable. Where do we draw the line between being healthy and enjoying life?