One of the principal keys to good health is to treat the underlying causes of poor health rather than the symptoms.
Seems simple enough – adopt a lifestyle that heads off diseases and ailments before they occur rather than reaching for the medicine bottle once you have a problem.
The old adage about an apple a day keeping the doctor away is as relevant today as it always was. Prevention is better than cure right?
For some lucky few the empowerment to make positive lifestyle changes comes from within. For others, it can come from a health practitioner or GP who really listens and who helps you act on the findings.
As the “apple” analogy suggests diet, exercise and habits that promote a healthier lifestyle are the bedrock of feeling better. Weight management, coordinating nutrition and fitness and above all stopping smoking are the basics.
Seeking a doctor who is a steadfast advocate for lifestyle health is the first step. Holistic health is a term bandied about. Essentially it is about being guided towards making positive choices to embrace healthy living and vibrant well-being.
This is the key to unlocking not just longevity but a long life happily spent. Diet, exercise, mental well-being and adopting good habits are all conscious choices (yes, the mental side is YOUR choice too!) to a more fulfilling life.
You need to take control and one of the best ways to begin that journey is to take it alongside a trusted GP who listens. Easier said than done, eh?
Step one is weight management. You’ll need a sustainable strategy not something that looks good on paper but is too hard to follow. Never follow fad diets, follow what works for you that will help you achieve your weight goals without denying yourself the foods that you love.
The secret is always moderation.
Step two is nutrition support. That’s not food per se but the content of food. Simple enough but often overlooked. A good doctor will provide expert guidance on nutrition and formulate a personalised plan so that you can revolutionise and optimise your intake.
Thirdly comes exercise. Regular physical activity is vital for good health but it should never be a chore. The goal of reducing chronic complications in your health needs to be accomplished with pleasure whether it is a simple walk or more strenuous sport.
Then the elephant in the room…smoking. If you are a smoker you have to quit, there are no two ways about that. If you’re in denial about that go and light up another one and die young in agony…
But everyone needs help on that journey with strategies, resources and encouragement to kick the habit for good.
A qualified doctor can help with lifestyle guidance. But never forget the importance of regular check-ups that can identify problems before they become major issues. Blood tests, imaging studies and other procedures are key because your body may not tell you something is wrong…..
Until it’s too late.
Be proactive about your health today.