Understanding the Importance of Preventive Care

It is easy to put off going to the doctor until you feel sick or think something may be wrong. However, keeping up with preventive care allows you to maintain current health and discover any issues before they become significant conditions or emergencies. Preventive care is key to preserving your health and wellness as you age. What is Preventive Care? Preventive care consists of routine visits and screenings with your doctor to create health baselines and monitor for changes or conditions. This regularly scheduled care will help assess and manage risk factors and can even prevent disease. Participating in preventive care increases the chances of diagnosing conditions before they become a problem requiring extensive treatment or care. According to News Medical Life Sciences, “current estimates indicate that nearly 80% of chronic medical conditions could be prevented by healthy lifestyle behaviors, [...]

Heart Month: 7 Lifestyle Changes for Cardiovascular Health

Heart disease is the leading cause of death around the globe (World Health Organization1). While unchangeable factors such as age, genetics, and family history can increase risk, other modifiable lifestyle behaviors are significant in heart disease prevention and management. In a study published by the National Library of Medicine2 that involved participants of high genetic risk, “a favorable lifestyle was associated with a nearly 50% lower relative risk of coronary artery disease than was an unfavorable lifestyle.” Let’s explore eight lifestyle changes that can help lower the risk of cardiovascular disease and associated premature death. Eat Heart-Healthy Heart-healthy nutrition can positively influence cholesterol, blood pressure, blood sugar, and weight management. Incorporate a variety of fruits and vegetables for nutrients like fiber and vitamins. Choose leaner meats and fish as well as healthier fats. Limit your intake of processed foods and [...]

Prioritizing Wellness in a Busy World

Keeping up healthy habits can be a tall task when juggling all the responsibilities of daily life. Wellness often slips down our priority list the busier we get. Knowing the importance of health is easy, but it is often harder to make time for it. We’ve compiled a list of tips to help you add quality to your years while navigating a busy schedule. Set Realistic Goals Set yourself up for success by making goals that are realistic and attainable. Begin with smaller, more manageable plans that you can build upon as you go. This gradual approach will help build resilience and confidence along the way. As you set your ambitions, let them align with your current schedule and season of life. Then, revisit your approach often, as we all know how constantly changing our schedules can be. This reflection [...]