By taking a wholehearted proactive approach to your health — mind, body and spirit — you can establish a strong foundation for wellness and enhance your quality of life, according to the experts.
Start by evaluating your current state of health, says Mary Elizabeth Paciella, R.N., M.S. A.N.P., A.C.N.S.-B.C., N.E.A.-B.C., director of Employee Health at Stony Brook University Hospital. Preventative screening offers insight so that you can act early if challenges arise, she explains. Paciella suggests screenings such as colonoscopies for adults over the age of 40, regular mammographies, prostate exams and vaccinations.
Fuel your body, reduce stress and improve your mental health with movement, says Paciella. Exercise helps to increase circulation, decrease blood pressure, strengthen muscles to prevent injuries and manage weight to help prevent diabetes, she says. Don’t let limited time or skills intimidate you from being active.
“Start small and work your way up,” she says. Find an activity you enjoy.
Eat a balanced diet, says Alyssa Acompora, R.N., wellness coach, board certified nurse coach, Lyssen Up Health and Wellness, LLC, Long Island.
“Focus on adding in nutrients, not taking things away,” she says. Aim to include carbohydrates, protein, fat, and fiber. This will lead to more long-term health and success.
Boost your immune system, decrease inflammation, promote detoxification and fight fatigue with supplements, says Monica Panek, B.S.N. R.N., Island Hydration, Long Island. Panek suggests IV Vitamin infusions and injections to fully absorb vitamins needed by the body. “During this time you get to relax, unwind and re-energize, feeding your body the nutrients it needs,” she says.
Don’t neglect the biggest organ in your body — your skin!
“The pollens from the air to the products we place on our skin get absorbed through our pores and can lead to inflammation, fatigue, increased risk of hormonal imbalances and increase our risk of cancer as they are carcinogens,” Panek explains. Choose organic and clean products where possible, avoiding parabens, sulfates, phthalates, and formaldehyde.
Incorporate mindfulness along with a positive outlook, suggests Acompora. Stay in the present and practice gratitude. “Constantly living on autopilot and moving at a fast speed leads to burnout, exhaustion, fatigue, as well as other chronic illnesses,” Acompora says. She suggests taking three deep breaths with intention for about five minutes per day.
There’s no perfect way to accomplish your proactive health care goals, notes Acompora. “Focus on small wins…what you did well, where you did show up for yourself, and it will be easier to stay committed long term!”
“Show up every day, no matter how hard it gets because you owe it to yourself, your body and those important to you,” says Panek. Seek support of like-minded friends and if you have concerns, consult a health care practitioner.
