Preventive steps can help you feel healthier now, and in the future – Paris Post Intelligencer

Taking care of yourself has never been more important. Chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes are the leading causes of death and disability in the United States, and make you more vulnerable to other health concerns.

Taking action by working with your primary care physician on staying well is about feeling healthier now to defend yourself against disease and illness in the future. With flu season and worries of COVID-19, now is the time to be in the best health you can be.

Here are the top five things you can do today to stay well:

Eating healthfully and choosing alcohol in moderation one drink a day for women and up to two drinks a day for men helps you get all the essential nutrients, boosts your energy, and can help you to prevent disease.

Poor nutrition can increase your risk of obesity, heart disease and cancer, among other things. Studies have shown that only 10% of children and adults eat the recommended daily amount of vegetables. More than 90% of Americans eat more sodium than is recommended and 50% of Americans will be considered obese by 2030 if we stay on the track we are on now.

Smoking is the leading cause of preventable death. It increases your risk of serious health problems, including heart disease, cancer, type 2 diabetes, lung disease and premature death. More than 16 million Americans are living with a disease caused by smoking. There are more than 480,000 deaths caused by smoking annually and smokers lives are reduced by 10 years compared to nonsmokers.

Exercise regularly.

Everyone benefits from exercise, regardless of age or physical ability. Your goal should be to exercise at least 150 minutes a week. You should also do strength training two days a week. Exercise keeps you healthier by fighting disease, controlling weight, improving mood, boosting energy and helping you sleep better.

See your doctor regularly.

The consistency of having a primary care provider who knows you, your potential health risks, and your family medical history will help you stay well. A family medical history is a record of health information about your close relatives.

Knowing your family health history is an important way to protect your health. A complete record includes information from three generations of relatives.

Health screenings allow your health care provider to detect a specific disease or condition early, even when there have been no symptoms or signs of the disease. When a health problem is detected early, you can get the right treatment at the right time, and it gives you better control over your health. Ask your health care provider which of these screenings may be right for you, based on your personal health history, age, sex, and genetics: Certain types of cancer; blood pressure; cholesterol; diabetes; osteoporosis or weak bones; sexually transmitted diseases; mental health conditions, like depression.

Sleep affects your mental and physical health.

Sleeping less than seven hours a day can increase your risk of developing the chronic conditions such as obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and frequent mental distress. Sleep deprivation is common and afflicts almost a quarter of the U.S. population.

Fortunately, you can take charge of your health to keep yourself well. By making healthy choices, you can reduce your risk of chronic disease and improve your quality of life.

Have a discussion with your health care provider about what you can do to stay well. At Henry County Medical Center, we have a chronic disease management program that offers free screenings and one-on-one nurse consultations to help you fight your chronic diseases.

For more information about the Chronic Disease Management program, call Tina Umstead, community health specialist, at 644-8215.

LORI STAMBAUGH is the community nurse educator at Henry County Medical Center. A registered nurse, she has a bachelors degree in nursing.

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Preventive steps can help you feel healthier now, and in the future - Paris Post Intelligencer