From the doctor's mouth: What does health really mean?What does health really mean? It’s more than just feeling good about your body and mind, isn’t it? No, it’s not just about a person looking good on the outside. It’s also about living life to the fullest and being satisfied with where you are in your own personal growth journey—both physically and emotionally. To put things simply, health is the state of physical, mental, and social well-being—not just the absence of illness or disease. That’s why one of our clinic's top doctors, Dr.



Physical Wellness


Being physically fit means you have a higher level of stamina, more energy, and more endurance. You may be able to keep up with your kids better or beat them at their favorite sport, but you’ll have more than physical benefits if you achieve fitness. Being physically fit has been proven to boost your immune system and lower your risk of chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease. Physical activity also helps you sleep better and lowers stress. The American Heart Association recommends adults get at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise per week—or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic exercise. This can include anything from brisk walking to running, biking, swimming laps, or dancing for 21⁄2 hours straight! The most important thing is that you find something that works for you and do it consistently. It could even be as simple as taking a walk around your neighborhood every day after dinner—whatever gets you moving is what counts!


From the doctor's mouth: What does health really mean?
Mental Wellness

The first thing we think of when someone mentions health is usually physical. But what about mental and emotional health? Noticing red flags in those areas could save your life. Mental illness is a disease just like cancer or heart disease, so it’s important to keep an open mind about it if you recognize any symptoms in yourself or others. If you’re struggling with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia or other conditions, talk to a professional who can help you find treatment options that work for you. It might seem scary at first, but taking that step will make all the difference.



Social Wellness


Social well-being is arguably one of the most important aspects of physical and mental wellness. While you may be able to survive with a subpar diet, extensive smoking habits, and endless sleepless nights (on occasion), if you’re not in a positive social environment, that could cause stress and anxiety which have significant detrimental effects on your overall physical and mental well-being. It’s impossible to achieve true health without a strong support system. Focus on building strong relationships with family, friends, and co-workers so that you can always rely on someone when times get tough. Physical Wellness: Physical wellness is all about making sure your body has everything it needs to function properly every day. If you don’t sleep enough or eat right or get enough exercise, it can lead to illness or injury.


Preventative Measures


Prevention is often more cost-effective than treatment, and thus healthier in its own right. Be sure to take preventative measures to avoid illness or injury before they happen. The easiest way to get started with preventative care is through regular exercise, good nutrition and getting enough sleep every night. Regular dental checkups are also an important step toward healthy teeth and gums, as well as a great way to catch problems early. If you’re already dealing with an existing condition, be sure you’re following your doctor’s orders for medications or treatments. And don’t forget about your mental health! Taking time each day for yourself can help you stay on top of stress levels and give you some peace of mind that everything will be OK when it comes to your physical health.


Communication Skills


Communication plays a vital role in maintaining healthy relationships. Both quality and quantity of communication contributes to overall health. Taking time out for yourself is important too. Going on vacation, getting a massage, or doing yoga helps you maintain good physical and mental well being. The body can only withstand so much stress at one time, thus it’s critical to unload some of that stress before your body breaks down. You don’t have to be sick all of the time! Take care of yourself! Your life depends on it. Here are some examples of how to communicate effectively with others: Be clear about what you want from others. Try not to complain about everything going wrong with your life (or someone else’s). Speak in I statements instead of you statements.


Sleep Tips


Though you may think that more hours in bed will improve your sleep quality, studies have shown that extra sleep doesn’t necessarily translate to better rest. In fact, some experts recommend that adults get only seven or eight hours of sleep a night—any more can make them more prone to accidents, especially those involved with driving. Follow these steps to ensure you are getting a good night’s sleep every night 1) Set a schedule and stick to it: Go to bed at roughly the same time each night and wake up at roughly the same time each morning. Sleeping in on weekends can throw off your internal clock and lead to poor-quality sleep during the week. Additionally, try not to nap during the day; napping too close to nighttime can affect how quickly you fall asleep at night and how long you stay asleep throughout your slumber session.