Health & Wellness: Women need to work at wellness
In order to keep with the theme of health and wellness for women, let’s concentrate on wellness this month.
I have had the pleasure of writing this column for several years now and try to avoid repetitive topics. This can be a tough task but in order to do so, sometimes veering away from the statistical data and “outlined” monotony that can appear like an informational sheet anyone can search online, I have come to prefer using my professional knowledge along with personal feedback from the community to make this column more reader friendly.
This monthly insert of the Kingsport Times-News is appropriately titled. Health and wellness go hand in hand. I will cite Webster in defining wellness as “the quality or state of being in good health especially as an actively sought goal.”
It is no coincidence that “good health” and “actively sought” are included in the definition of wellness.
So, I ask you my fellow gals, do you actively seek good health? If so, how? There is no age limit here. If you struggle answering either of these questions, it is time to get your “Non Bucket List” penciled in on your calendar! However, if your picture is beside the definition of wellness in Miriam Webster, then stop reading here for you are the perfect specimen of wellness!
How can you do this? Prioritize. Don’t overwhelm yourself. What do you consider to be first on your list? It may be weight loss. It may be exercise. It may be stress relief. It may be relationships. No one can answer this question but YOU.
Different cultures have different values as to what a state of wellness may be. However, most would agree that longevity of quality life is what we all wish for.
We live in a fast-paced, sometimes cut-throat world that defines financial success as happiness. So how many of you agree? Although managing our finances practically will decrease our stress level, money does not buy happiness. So, if climbing that ladder to financial success is your priority, your stress level will increase and Mr. Longevity may hit you with hypertension, heart disease and a psychological roller coaster.
If you want the statistics on stress level in relation to physical ailments, the studies are out there. If you can’t find them online, e-mail me and I will send you links to evidence based research on this topic.
We are an overweight/obese nation, which causes multiple “wellness” problems. Diabetes, hypertension, depression, inactivity, bone and joint problems … the list goes on and on. Women, talk to your health-care professional about what a healthy weight is for your body frame. It is NEVER too late to start. healthy diet and lifestyle is a good beginning.
Healthy diet is easy. Limit salt, fried foods and sugary snacks. Start there. Opt for garlic or pepper versus salt. Grill or bake instead of fry. And grab some yogurt or fresh fruit for a snack. Drink water not soft drinks. Unless your health-care provider tells you these are not good options for you, they are relatively easy changes to make. If they are not options feasible for you, ask your physician what is.
Healthy lifestyle. ALWAYS check with your health-care provider to see what exercises are appropriate for you. Walking is usually acceptable unless you have joint problems, then swimming is usually a good option. I am in the process of gaining back my exercising habits since recent back surgery and can cycle, walk and swim with my goal being able to run again. However, I realize impact sports are probably out for me forever. So, I will be optimistic and thankful for what I can do. You do the same!
Stress relief. This is a tough one. Exercise is a good one, but with all that our country has faced, stress can easily escalate into full-blown depression. Although it is always best to try to find an activity that relieves your stress level, sometimes medication becomes necessary if your lifestyle is affected. Talk to your health-care provider about your stressors. Don’t be ashamed. We all have them.
Relationships. A good social network of friends, support groups and family can always promote wellness. However, if a relationship is not conducive to your health and well-being, it is OK to let it go.
Physically and emotionally abusive relationships are in no one’s best interest and should be avoided. It can cause all of the above-mentioned issues.
But, good, healthy relationships can be the most rewarding part of your life. Seek out relationships with those who share your values and morals. We are all different, so it is just human nature to not be “bffs” with everyone! (I guess you can tell I have a texting daughter!).
Shall I share my “Non Bucket List”? Hmmm, that’s sort of personal but here it goes:
1. Love without the fear of being hurt.
2. Smile often.
3. Grow with my children as they age. They are not my property.
4. Take chances with change and be happy professionally.
5. Maintain my weight.
6. Exercise as my physician allows me to.
7. NEVER, EVER again take my health for granted.
8. Forgive those who have wronged me … for me.
9. Trust that a higher power has a plan for my life.
10. Enjoy the simple pleasures of nature.
11. Travel … and continue to learn.
12. Be thankful for what I have been blessed with.
OK, this is just the start of mine and it is not prioritized. My list is an ongoing project as yours should be.
I will end this column by sharing with you what I find beautiful this time of year. Our cat socializing with the deer (weird, huh?). A mother bird watching over her nesting eggs. Blooming trees and flowers. The smell of freshly mowed grass. My kids’ athletic events. The mother groundhog who lives close to us teaching her two babies how to climb on surfaces. Long talks with my fiance. Meeting new friends and getting back in touch with old friends.
I could go on and on, but the real message here is what do you find beautiful? And how can that enhance your health and wellness? Sometimes the simple things are what matter. Slow down and enjoy life.
--------Health & Wellness--------
Keena Rhoten RNC-OB, C-EFM, BSN, BA practices women’s health nursing in the Tri-Cities area. She is a member of the Tennessee Nurses Association, American Nurses Association, and The Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric, and Neonatal Nurses. E-mail questions and comments to 10cnurse@charter.net.
To comment, you must register and verify your email address by telephone.
Comments are the sole responsibility of the registered user participating in online discussions. You agree not to post comments off topic, abusive, obscene, defamatory, vulgar, threatening or an invasion of privacy. Violators may be banned.
Browse Premiere Local Businesses
