Be an Advocate for Your Health and Well-Being
As American writer Augusten Burroughs once said, "When you have your health, you have everything.
When you do not have your health, nothing else matters at all." This saying rings true. Money and possessions aren't worth much if you don't have the health to enjoy them. That's why being an advocate for your health is so important.
Become an Active Listener at the Doctor's Office
Don't be deterred if you are usually lost in the medical jargon when you go to the doctor's office. Listen carefully and ask questions until you understand what diagnostics are being performed, your diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment protocol. Take notes to refer back to if you forget something later.
Keep and Maintain Your Medical Records
Your medical records are basically a biography of your health. Keep them for your personal records, so you can be in charge of your health. If you haven't been keeping track of your medical records, start. Ask your primary care physician (PCP) and specialists for copies of your health records after appointments and store them in a safe place at home. For X-rays or other digital images, use an online tool to keep them all in one file. All you need to do is upload each image and video to your device and then combine video to a new file to download as needed.
Improve Your Lifestyle
It's never too late to live a healthier lifestyle. Living a healthy lifestyle can help you live longer and ward off future health problems. Aim to consume a well-balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and low-fat proteins. Choose whole-grain noodles and other carbohydrates. If you smoke, quit. If you're busy and can't go to a Brooklyn gym regularly, take small steps that fit into your schedule, like taking the stairs rather than the elevator or going for a walk on your lunch break. By independently taking steps to improve your health, you'll be able to maintain the focus on other issues during consultations with professionals.
Create a Healthier Home
Your home may be where your heart is, but it's also a location that can hinder your health if you don't make it a healthy environment. You may improve the condition inside your home by adding some house plants to filter your air and improve your mood. Decrease clutter in your home one room at a time to reduce anxiety. Start opening your blinds and doors more often to let natural sunlight in. These seemingly unimportant changes can have a major impact on your health.
Seek Out Routine Health Exams
Once a year, see your PCP for a routine health exam. Undergo any necessary testing, such as blood work. At this appointment, ask what other testing is recommended for someone of your age, gender, and with your health concerns and medical history. These exams can help you detect problems early when they're still highly treatable.
Be Your Own Health Advocate for a Better Life
You can be an advocate for your health and live a better life in Brooklyn. Some steps are as simple as buying a few house plants and making small changes to your daily life. Improve your health and wellness today with Sarrica Physical Therapy and Wellness.
By Guest Blogger, Jennifer McGregor
