Taking Charge of Your Health: A Guide to Preventing Common Illnesses

 I gave this topic great thought because many of us(myself included) have a tendency of traversing through life with over indulging.  

Take me for instance,  a few nights out drinking with my friends followed by me taking a stroll through the closest fast food drive through was not at all uncommon a while back.  

When we are young,  we tend to stretch the limits of our stamina and that takes a toll on our bodies. 

I know mine did.

So in giving this some great thought and by leveraging my past experiences,  I thought I would assemble a few steps to try and avoid what is commonly known as underlying illnesses.  

I was shocked to discover I suffered from hypertension, type 2 diabetes and anxiety.   The ultimate for me was to weigh in at 315 pounds a while back…i knew then i was on a path of destruction.  

So today, my post is on trying to avoid reaching a point where one has gone too far and now suffers from these ailments that frankly can be avoided,  or when caught,  better managed. 

We all know that leading a healthy lifestyle is important, but it can sometimes feel overwhelming.

Where do we even begin? 

Well,  here for starters. 

This post focuses on simple, actionable steps you can take to prevent some of the most common health issues: hypertension, diabetes, and obesity.

1. Prioritize Movement:

• Find your groove: Whether it's dancing, hiking, swimming, or simply a brisk walk, aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week.

• Incorporate activity into your daily routine: Take the stairs, walk during your lunch break, or cycle to work.

• Strength training matters: Include exercises that build muscle mass 2-3 times per week. This helps boost metabolism and improve insulin sensitivity.

2. Fuel Your Body Right:

• Focus on whole foods: Load up on fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains.

• Limit processed foods: Cut back on sugary drinks, fast food, and packaged snacks.

• Mindful eating: Pay attention to your hunger and fullness cues. Eat slowly and savor each bite.

3. Manage Stress:

• Stress less: Explore stress-reducing techniques like yoga, meditation, deep breathing exercises, or spending time in nature.

• Prioritize sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night.

• Connect with others: Spend time with loved ones and build strong social connections.

4. Regular Check-ups:

• Schedule appointments: Don't neglect routine check-ups with your doctor.

• Early detection is key: Screenings for blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar can help identify potential issues early on.

5. Make Sustainable Changes:

• Small steps, big impact: Start with one or two small changes and gradually build from there.

• Find what works for you: There's no one-size-fits-all approach. Experiment to find what you enjoy and can stick with long-term.

• Be patient and kind to yourself: Progress takes time. Celebrate your successes and don't get discouraged by setbacks.

As a sufferer from all of these 3 I wrote about today,  I also learned that I suffered from anxiety as well. 

Being on meds already,  and working towards getting off of meds,  I let my physician know of my anxiety struggles,  and that I wanted help and a fix but no more meds. 

Believe it or not,  there is a non narcotic solution that you are prescribed,  and it helps.  

I am living proof that it works. 

In fact I was on that non narcotic solution for 90 days, at most…at the end of those 90 days,  that is when I started noticing a drop in hypertension. 

I will discuss that particular part of my health and wellness journey in a future post. 

For now, I hope my health and wellness journey is of some help and support for you, and feel free to post in the comments section. 

I would love to hear from you. 

To your health,

-T

Disclaimer: This information is for general knowledge and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional for personalized guidance.