Another new year has arrived—it’s hard to believe just how quickly the last one flew by. So much has occurred in that time, but in spite of all the highs and lows, a new year represents that change and renewal are on the horizon.  

Renewal is a powerful word. Its basic definition is the act of starting over again. But many of us would benefit more from another definition—renewal as a process in which something improves from a poor condition. 2025 can be a year of renewal. It's a time to look at our circumstances with fresh vision. One way to do this is to evaluate the words we use to describe those circumstances to begin with.  

For example, we use many labels to define illness. Diabetes is a Latin word related to sugar, and it is the word that doctors use to describe a problem with the metabolism of sugar in the body. Diabetes often results in high blood glucose levels and metabolic dysfunctions. However, the issue here is that the conventional medical establishment often calls those with sugar metabolism issues “diabetics.”  

It can be problematic to label humans as an illness. They might have a problem with sugar metabolism, but to be referred to as “diabetic” insinuates that diabetes has become their identity. We don’t use this verbiage to describe other types of illness. Have you ever met a “heart attackic?” How about a “canceric?” Do you have a “Parkinsonic” relative. Would you call someone with a strep throat infection a “streptic?”  

These labels disempower folks. Of course, both doctors and patients must know how a problem with sugar metabolism affects the body, so this issue can be managed. But how do you deal with that issue if it’s seen as part of who you are? If you become it, can you unbecome it? It’s hard to heal from something that feels like an identifier.    

In this new year, take a fresh look at the words you use to describe yourself or the medical conditions you live with. Think of yourself as a human, not as a label. This will renew your outlook on health and improve your self-esteem.  

Dr. Fred Harvey is currently accepting patients at Functional Medicine Florida. Dr. Harvey is the Medical Director of Functional Medicine Florida. He is quadruple board-certified in Internal Medicine, Geriatric Medicine, Functional Medicine, and Holistic-Integrative Medicine, specializing in chronic illness recovery and prevention, as well as defiant aging practices. For more information, call 941-929-9355 or visit https://functionalmedicineflorida.com/