- Layered Wellness| Newsletter by Beyond The Stethoscopes
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- Weekly Wellness Breakdown-3Min Read
Weekly Wellness Breakdown-3Min Read
LAYERED WELLNESS |By Beyond The Stethoscopes
SOUL-FULL ‘SCRIPTS
Be The Most Important Person On Your Wellness Team
You are the most important member of your wellness team. While healthcare providers, nutritionists, fitness, and wellness coaches play essential roles, the ultimate responsibility for your wellness lies with you. Understanding this empowers you to take control of your health, make informed decisions, and actively participate in your care.
Remember that your wellness journey is uniquely yours. Being an active participant in your healthcare team ensures that you’re not just surviving the directions given by your treatment team, rather thriving as an active participant.
This article discusses the steps that allow you to embrace your health and well-being as the most crucial person on your wellness team.
Take Charge of Your Health
Being the most important person on your wellness team means being proactive about your health. This involves regular check-ups, understanding your medical history, and staying informed about your body’s needs. Don't wait for others to tell you what’s best—be curious, ask questions, and seek reliable information.
Set Personal Wellness Goals
Your wellness journey is unique to you. Set realistic and personalized goals that reflect your values and lifestyle. Whether improving your diet, increasing physical activity, managing stress, or getting better sleep, having clear objectives helps you stay focused and motivated. Keep these goals as flexible as you need them to be and evolve as you do.
Practice Self-Care
Prioritizing self-care is a non-negotiable aspect of being the most important person on your wellness team. This means making time for activities that nourish your mind, body, and spirit. Self-care activities like meditation, hobbies, or simply taking time to rest all contribute to your healing and wellness journey
Advocate for Yourself
Self-advocacy is key in any healthcare setting. Speak up about your concerns, ask for clarification when needed, and don’t hesitate to seek a second opinion if something doesn’t feel right. You know your body better than anyone else, so trust your instincts and ensure your voice is heard in all discussions about your health.
Build a Supportive Team
While you are the leader of your wellness team, surrounding yourself with the right support is vital. Choose healthcare providers who respect your autonomy, work collaboratively across clinical care teams when needed, and engage in mutual decision making with you. Additionally, cultivate a network of friends, family, or community groups who encourage your health goals and provide emotional support.
Embrace Continuous Learning
Your wellness journey is ongoing, and staying informed about new health trends, research, and practices is important. Be open to learning and adapting your strategies as new information and practice opportunities become available. This not only keeps you engaged in your health but also allows you to make informed decisions that align with your evolving needs.
HerHealth Insights
With a full life and responsibilities outside of your wellness care, it can be hard to track and schedule all the routine screenings recommended by your health care team.
Below is a categorized list of screening recommendations that you can use as a reminder to check in with your own preventative care needs.
Ages 20-39:
Annual wellness exam Pap smear (every 3 years starting at age 21) HPV test (every 5 years starting at age 30) Annual (at minimum) sexually transmitted disease screening if, specifically for chlamydia Blood pressure check (at least every 2 years) Cholesterol screening (every 5 years) | Skin cancer screening Dental exam and cleaning (twice a year) Eye exam (every 2-3 years) Immunizations (as recommended by your doctor) Mental health screening |
Ages 40-49:
All of the above, plus: Mammogram (annually or every other year, discuss with your doctor) Annual diabetes screening | Thyroid function test Colonoscopy (starting at 45, then every 10 years) Bone density screening (if at high risk for osteoporosis) |
Ages 50-64:
All of the above, plus: Hearing test | Lung cancer screening (annually starting at 55 for smokers or <15-year former smokers) Hepatitis C screening (one-time test for those born between 1945 and 1965) |
Ages 65 and older:
All of the above, plus: Pneumococcal vaccine Shingles vaccine | Fall risk assessment Cognitive screening Abdominal aortic aneurysm screening (for smokers) |
Your Questions, Dr. Johnson’s Answers!
"How Can I Claim My Healing Journey Now?"
Claiming your healing journey starts with acknowledging that you are the author of your own health narrative. To embark on this path, it's essential to take proactive steps that align with your personal wellness goals.
Begin by cultivating self-awareness—understand your body's signals, emotions, and needs. Next, prioritize self-care by incorporating practices that nourish your mind, body, and spirit, whether it's through regular exercise, balanced nutrition, or mindfulness techniques. Setting clear, achievable goals is also key; these should be tailored to your unique situation, focusing on what brings you peace and fulfillment.
Finally, don't hesitate to seek support when needed, whether from healthcare professionals, therapists, or a supportive community. It is also ok to not know what you need on this journey and be receptive to exploration and flexibility as you navigate through it.
Remember, your healing journey is a personal, ongoing process that requires patience, compassion, and a commitment to yourself.
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