The Greatest Wealth is Health

It is said that if you have your health, you have everything. Yet, according to a study of 501 men ages 45 to 65 conducted by Men’s Health Network in 2014, men care more about their cars than their bodies. Almost 70% of men surveyed considered it easier to keep their cars in good condition than care for their personal health. In addition, more than 40% indicated that they would rather resolve issues with their car than address issues associated with their health.

Men are not alone in this thinking as noted by the Society for Women’s Health Research where they found that women make most of the health care decisions for their families. But when it’s their turn to go to the doctor, many don’t. Why? The reasons are widespread and vary from person to person.

Today, there is an emphasis on wellness, prevention of illness and self-care. Employers are starting to compensate employees with various perks when they participate in exercise/wellness programs. Insurance companies are offering their members a number of resources to help them take better care of themselves. Physicians and other healthcare professionals are taking the time to educate the people who they see so they can better understand how they can improve their health and wellness.

The general public is starting to realize they need to take care of themselves if they want to avoid a chronic disease and maintain a good quality of life. Those who have a chronic disease(s) are realizing they need to follow their plan of care so they can prevent exacerbations of their conditions that negatively impact their quality of life.

To help readers of Nurse Advocate, I share 14 tips that you can start to use today to take better care of yourself so you can be the best that you can be! Please feel free to share this post with your family and friends.

Schedule a checkup. An annual checkup is currently covered as part of your preventive care benefit through your health insurance plan. Schedule one today. Talk to your doctor about challenges that you are experiences and changes that you want to make to improve your health.

Replace TV time with some light exercise, instead of turning on the TV after dinner, take a 20-minute walk.

If you smoke, talk to your doctor about quitting.

Drink in moderation

Eat more fresh fruits and veggies

Make health a family objective. Instead of pizza and a movie night, try making a salad and having everyone to take a walk or go for a bike ride after dinner.

Work toward goals together can help everyone succeed.

Read your health insurance member handbook and learn about the tools and resources you can use to manage your health.

If you are in a Medicare Advantage program, see if your plan includes Silver Sneakers. This is a great benefit that will allow you to use local gyms so you can begin to exercise on a regular basis.

Use a dessert plate vs. a dinner plate when you eat a meal. Doing so can help you cut down on your portions.

Drink a glass of water before each meal as it will fill you up and help you avoid overeating

Learn how to read food nutritional labels so you are aware of what is in the food you are eating

If you are trying to lose weight start keeping a food diary so you are aware of what you are eating and where you can make changes.

Don’t skip meals. Doing so slows down your metabolism.

These are just a few things that you can do to help you take better care of yourself so you are the best you can be. Good luck!