There’s good news for you if “get healthier” has been on your to do list since New Year’s eve, but the idea of going to the gym or eating more veggies hasn’t motivated you to get started. Being healthy means more than fitness and healthy eating, so this year try “spring cleaning” your personal wellness regimen. Though diet and exercise play important parts in creating optimal health, personal wellness includes addressing much more.
Start your wellness journey doing something appealing. Once you get a little momentum and enthusiasm you’ll probably find yourself working out and eating better sooner than you think. Sometimes gaining success in one part of your personal wellness plan builds momentum and helps achieve other health goals.
Still not sure where to start? Keep reading for a few ideas on how to begin.
1) Get health screenings: A good place to start improving personal wellness is getting examined see if you have risk factors for certain serious illnesses. Getting certain things like your cholesterol and blood sugar level checked can also provide valuable information to you and your doctor about creating an effective personal wellness plan. For more information about health screenings read Staying on Top of Things: Health Maintenance and Personal Wellness
2) Wear Seatbelts: Motor vehicle accidents are a leading cause of death in the US and a major cause of spinal cord and head injuries. Many people make sure to buckle in their child passengers but neglect doing this quick and easy health habit for themselves. Many drivers also think it isn’t necessary to wear safety belts for short drives or when driving at slow speeds.
Consider this: even in a crash going 30 mph an unbelted adult passenger can be tossed into another passenger, thrown through the windshield, or slammed into the side or roof of the car. Any of these impacts can create serious problems including brain injuries or broken bones. Buckle up to improve your chance of staying out of the hospital in the unfortunate event you end up in a car crash.
3) Stop Smoking: The verdict is in: smoking is unhealthy and can kill you! Second hand smoke also threatens others you live, work, and socialize with. Quitting can be challenging, however, especially if you have an addiction to nicotine or use smoking for stress management. If you want assistance, contact your doctor. The American Cancer Society and American Lung Association also have resources to help stop smoking. For more tips to quit smoking read Great American Smokeout
4) Move your body: Consider physical activity an important medicine. It helps decrease the risk of many illnesses including heart disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, and strokes. If something as effective came in a pill many people would probably rush to buy it.
Maybe the idea of going to the gym and breaking a sweat doesn’t appeal to you. That’s okay. Physical activity comes in many forms. Many are fun and easy. For example, taking a nice walk around your neighborhood with a friend is a nice way to get exercise and socialize. Dancing can be a great way to burn calories and have fun. Even buying a pedometer and measuring the number of steps you normally take in a day, then challenging yourself to set new records can be a fun and easy way to increase activity.
Be well!
Donna L. Hamilton, MD, MS, FAAP, is a former board-certified pediatrician residing in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Currently, she is Chief Wellness Officer and co-owner of Manifest Excellence, LLC. Dr. Hamilton specializes in holistic wellness promotion and speaks nationally on this topic. Her company Manifest Excellence teaches a comprehensive approach to health and wellness by addressing mental, emotional, social, spiritual and physical wellbeing. For more information visit www.ManifestExcellence.com
© 2011 Donna L. Hamilton, MD
A wellness thought leader, she champions a comprehensive approach to health by addressing mental, emotional, social, spiritual & physical well-being with a simple and potent message. Her book Wellness Your Way offers a practical strategy to assist readers in creating a happier, healthier life. For more information or to book Dr. Hamilton for speaking engagements visit www.ManifestExcellence.com or www.DonnaHamiltonMD.com
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