Giving Thanks for Better Health

How Gratitude For Your Health Can Improve Your Health

It’s the season of giving — giving to our community and loved ones but also showing thanks for what we have. After almost two years living amid the COVID-19 pandemic, many of our patients have expressed that they’ve never been so thankful for their good health.

But, did you know that simply even showing thanks for your health can improve your health?

Gratitude & Physical Wellness

According to Harvard Health, positive psychology studies have shown that gratitude is strongly and consistently associated with greater happiness. This feeling not only helps patients feel more joy but also improves areas of their lives such as their health. Practicing gratitude can also keep anxiety and depression at bay.

This improvement in your mental wellbeing has a direct effect on your physical wellbeing: limiting aches and pains and boosting your immune system due to the release of endorphins.

Working Gratitude into Your Health Regimen

In the spirit of the season, here are some ways you can add more gratitude into your day to support your mental and physical wellbeing:

Keeping a daily journal.
Make a gratitude jar.
Use positive, affirming cues.
Try meditating or yoga.

Improving Your Health

If you’re inspired to take better care of your health this season, here are a few places to start:

Stepping Up Your Hygiene

One of the best ways to prevent illness is to stay on top of your family’s personal hygiene. This means handwashing, mask-wearing, social distancing, and keeping your home germ-free.

Take Preventative Care of Yourself

Keeping up with your physical health can help prevent a medical emergency. Although there is a debate if one should visit their doctor annually for a routine checkup or physical, the choice will be informed by age, general health, and specific health risks.

Just like brushing your teeth and scheduling your next dental cleaning, taking care of your body and scheduling recommended screenings is a vital part of your health. As you grow older, your chance of developing certain cancers increases — making regular screening essential to early detection and treatment.

Many screening recommendations are broken down by age. The following guidelines from the American Cancer Society can help you know when to be tested:

Age 25-39

Cervical cancer screenings are the main exam recommended for patients of this age group. Beginning at 25 years old, women should be checked annually.

Age 40-49

The following exams are recommended for patients of this age group:
Breast cancer screening (recommended annually at 45, optional at 40.)
Cervical cancer screening.
Colorectal cancer screening (recommended at 45.)
Prostate cancer screening (for African Americans starting at age 45.)

Age 50+

At age 50, the following exams are recommended annually for patients of this age group:

Breast cancer screening.
Cervical cancer screening.
Colorectal cancer screening.
Lung cancer screening (for patients who smoke.)
Prostate cancer.

Whether you have symptoms or not — early screening is vital. In addition to these recommendations, it’s important to perform self-checks at home, go over your family history with your primary care doctor, and go for regular visits so they can help advise you on what screenings you should have.

Lifestyle Changes

As the saying goes: out with the old, in with the new. If you’re working on your health this season, it’s the perfect time to say goodbye to old habits that are bad for your health such as smoking.

Exercise

Exercising frequently supports your health, strengthens your body, prevents inflammation, and maintains a healthy weight. Here are some general tips to follow while working out:

Get at least two and a half hours of moderate aerobic physical activity each week.
Add strength training exercises into your exercise routine.
Change your routine every so often to avoid growing bored.

Nutrition

Your diet can have a significant impact on your health. Here are a few ways you can support a healthy diet:

Drink plenty of water.
Limit your sugar intake.
Avoid solid fats.
Eat limited amounts of red meat and processed meats.
Add plenty of fruits and vegetables to your plate.
Eat nutrient-dense foods and whole grains.

Non-Emergent & Emergency Medical Care in Dallas

Day or night, the staff at Advance ER is standing by to provide the highest quality medical care — from routine scans to emergency treatment. We have the same services found in hospital emergency rooms and meet or exceed all emergency room requirements.