One of the questions we often ask our patients during their visit is, “What is the ONE thing you are doing to improve your health?”
This may seem like a simple question with a simple answer, but we have learned that that isn’t always the case. Although the majority of us want to improve our health we don’t know exactly where to start.
We’ve all heard the adage, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away”, but when it comes to your health, an open dialogue with your provider is a vital component. Working with your healthcare provider to develop a strategic health plan is the first step in improving your health. Your provider can give you nutritional and exercise guidance as you begin your journey. They will also check in with you during annual appointments to assess the plan and make changes if needed.
If you lead a sedentary lifestyle, a provider may recommend to get moving. A simple 30 minute walk a day can improve your energy level, reduce the risk of coronary heart disease, enhance mental well-being, reduce the risk of Type 2 Diabetes and more (American Heart Association). But before you lace up your tennis shoes and hit the pavement, we cannot stress the importance of meeting with your provider beforehand. It’s possible that you would benefit from a different form of exercise at first or you may have the need to start at a shorter period of time. These are factors that your provider will go over with you as they collaborate with you to build your health plan.
Your eating habits are also a key factor for improving your health. An improper diet can initiate the onset of diabetes for those that are at risk. We know that a cookie-cutter approach doesn’t work with diabetes which is why a partnership of understanding and trust is needed in order to develop a workable plan to prevent and manage diabetes and improve your quality of life.
It’s time to make that ONE thing you are doing to improve your health be developing a health plan with your provider.
Contact us today, we would be honored to begin this journey with you.