Guest article by Jennifer McGregor
Health tips are all over the internet these days, covering everything from exercise to eating right, but there are many ways to focus on your overall wellness that often aren’t covered. Taking time to think about what your body and mind need the most can help you reduce stress and anxiety, boost your energy, and keep you feeling strong and vital even when you have a busy schedule. Consider the little improvements you can make instead of just looking at the big picture. For instance, how does muscle health affect other parts of your body? What can you do to improve your oral health?
Once
you know which areas need a little work, come up with a strategy. The
most important thing to keep in mind is that staying motivated will
be key, so your plan should be realistic.
Think carefully about how you want to proceed before you get started.
Here
are a few strategies for boosting your overall health.
Keep
your smile healthy
Our
oral health plays a big role in the way we feel, but many people are
unaware of how important it is to keep their teeth and gums clean.
Not only does caring for your dental health give you a beautiful
smile, it also prevents major health issues such as heart disease.
Individuals who are living with diabetes need to be especially
careful with their teeth because blood sugar issues can lead to major
dental issues. Regular checkups are essential; if you don’t have a
regular dentist or are looking for a new one, you can use an online
tool to find
a dentist
near you.
Review
your healthcare options
It’s
not easy to take care of yourself when you’re unsure of how to go
about getting a doctor’s appointment or how you’ll pay
for medical care. With health insurance plans changing every year,
it’s very important to stay on top of your healthcare options,
especially if you’re a senior. Older adults have many benefits
available through Medicare, but out-of-pocket costs can be
substantial. A Medigap plan can help cover the costs associated with
your policy, particularly Plans F and G.
Stretch
it out
Good
muscle health is increasingly important as we get older, and it’s
essential to make sure you’re taking care of your body both before
and after you work out. Whether you practice yoga or play a sport,
there are several ways you can get in some stretches
beforehand and as a cooldown method. Make sure you learn how to
stretch properly to avoid injury. Even some simple stretches like
ankle circles, chin tucks, and neck rolls can release
stress
and boost your mood. You can also incorporate tools, such as a
massager
for your feet that will help soothe pain and ease tired soles.
Get
moving
Inactivity
can be just as detrimental to your health as smoking and living with
diabetes, according to a recent
study.
Sitting for prolonged periods of time can be dangerous to your heart,
so get up and move around, especially if your job requires you to sit
at a desk all day. Take short breaks every hour, just long enough to
get your blood circulating, or invest in a stand-up
desk
that allows you to stay upright while you work.
Boosting your health doesn’t have to be time-consuming or stressful. Think about the areas that could use some improvement and consider using tools that will help you reach your goals. By keeping your schedule and lifestyle in mind, you can create a strategy that works for you.