Blueprint to Wellness by Jamie Lober
Taking control of your health becomes much easier when you know what is normal for your body and have a physician you can turn to. The next time you make a decision, consider its implications on your wellbeing.
Strike a balance. It is easy to be consumed by responsibilities. Remember to make time for yourself. When your hormones are imbalanced, you may not function at your best. Some turn to hormone therapies to help reach this middle ground. “You may choose natural bio identical hormone therapy. This is an anti-aging practice where the doctor does hormone therapy and looks at vitamin deficiencies, nutritional and intestinal health, thyroid issues and adrenal fatigue,” explains Connie Hwong of Balance Health & Wellness Center.
Do not allow conflicts to hang over you. “It is important for people to not be avoiding things that need to be faced,” says Dr. Judith Broadus, psychologist of West Second Healthcare Associates. Old problems can cause stress and depression if they are not dealt with.
Schedule an annual physical. Women should have a pap smear every one to three years, a mammogram every one to two years after 40, a cholesterol check after 45, blood pressure check every two years, a bone density test after 65 to screen for osteoporosis and an HIV test if you have had unprotected sex, are being treated for a sexually transmitted disease or had a blood transfusion. Men should have a cholesterol check after 35 and a colorectal cancer test and prostate screening at age 50. Report any changes in your health such as fatigue, lumps, skin irregularities, trouble sleeping, anxiety or change in appetite. If you a family history of a disease, start screening early.
Adopt a positive mindset and learn to manage stress. “People who have a more positive outlook tend to fair better when there are bumps in life,” says Dr. Katherine Stone, psychologist. Make sure your children share the same optimistic view. “Helping kids interpret the world in a positive and realistic manner is the most important thing parents can do,” adds Stone. Find a healthy outlet you enjoy like yoga, meditation or aquatics. It is essential to find a social support and not be afraid to turn to someone, even if it means consulting with a professional.
Practice a healthy lifestyle. “You can really lower your risk when you do something about being overweight, lack of physical activity, bad diet, uncontrolled high blood pressure and cholesterol and smoking,” insists Marc Jennings, communications director for American Heart Association of Kentucky. It may help to set a regular schedule for physical activity, even if it is just twenty minutes a day. “It needs to be a lifetime commitment. It is not really a daunting task, but it takes discipline and will have a dramatic effect on an individual’s health and wellness,” insists Shannon Slayton of Jefferson Fitness Club. Adequate sunlight and sleep are also important. “People who perform best are the people who are well-rested,” tells Dr. B.T. Westerfield of Sleep Disorders Center of Lexington.
Rid yourself of negative people and situations. Pay attention to your relationships. “When you start dating somebody, you should evaluate them. Do they talk bad about their old boyfriend or girlfriend? Do they object to the clothes that you wear? If so, that’s a bad sign. Look out for someone who is real possessive or if the relationship moves too fast,” warns Michael Finucane, executive director of the Family Violence Project. Situations do not usually get better. “If you lay down with dogs, you get up with fleas. You have to have zero tolerance for violence or abuse,” says Finucane.
Include your children in your plan. “There is a connection between cardiovascular fitness and improved memory and attention with kids and decreased anxiety and depression. Kids who are fit are achieving better in school,” says Stone, psychologist. Encouraging involvement with trustworthy friends and healthy activities can build self-esteem.
© 2009 Jamie Lober
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