Good health is something many of us take for granted. We may not think much about it until we get sick or injured. And for many, the factors that go into good physical health—restful sleep, clean and safe surroundings, high-quality food, and recreation—are not always readily available.

Health privilege is the idea that some of us can create health because we have more financial and material resources, while others cannot be healthy because they lack these things. While this is sometimes true, especially when we think about obvious resources such as health insurance, a whole-person approach to health can help level the playing field.

Strategies to help health emerge even in challenging situations can be as simple as thinking about what health means to you. Learning about your health, asking questions, and using what is positive and powerful in your life can help break down barriers to well-being.

If I gathered a group of my patients and asked about daily physical activity, I would hear that some go to a health club or work with a trainer. Others participate in daily group exercises or work out at home by following along with videos. Still, others lack the time or space to exercise. They may work long hours, live in crowded spaces, or hold physically demanding jobs that make exercising for health unappealing. Some members of the group are physically fit, and others need to boost that aspect of health.

The barriers to exercise, or any health........

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