1) What are the key factors influencing my overall health?
October 1, 1944 – The next month, the men could sense, was going to be hell
October 1, 2024I enjoy penning a bi-monthly column for the readers of Today’s Christian Living magazine. Here is the link to the most recent issue, July 2024. My column, “Understanding Your Health: Six Questions to Review with Your Family Physician“ is on pages 14-15. Below is the first question of the six in this seven-part series.
1. What are the key factors influencing my overall health?
Your overall health is influenced by a combination of genetics, lifestyle, environment, and healthcare.
Genetics play a role in your susceptibility to certain conditions, but lifestyle choices such as diet, physical activity, alcohol, drugs, and smoking can have a much more significant impact your health.
A balanced “Mediterranean type” diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains, coupled with regular exercise, can reduce the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes and even some forms of cancer.
Environmental factors, including exposure to pollutants or hazardous substances, also contribute to your health.
Working on reducing stress, anxiety, and depression (the “SAD” disorders), improving relationships with your family, friends, and health community, and working on your spiritual health and applying spiritual disciplines to your life can all improve your overall health.
Regular check-ups and screenings with your dental and medical professionals as well as your pastor or a spiritual mentor can be crucial, as these folks can help detect potential issues early and manage existing conditions effectively.
By addressing these factors, you can improve your overall health and reduce the risk of developing serious health problems.
Here are the six questions in this series and a link to some resources for you to consider:
Understanding Your Health: Six Questions to Review with Your Family Physician“
- Oct 2: What are the key factors influencing my overall health?
- Oct 9: How often should I get routine screenings and vaccinations?
- Oct 16: What should I do if I’m experiencing persistent fatigue or stress?
- Oct 23: How can I manage stress effectively?
- Oct 30: What is the importance of maintaining a healthy weight, and how can I achieve it?
- Nov 6: How can I improve my sleep quality?
- Nov 13: More Resources for your Health
© Copyright WLL, INC. 2024. This blog provides healthcare tips and advice that you can trust about a wide variety of general health information only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from your regular physician. If you are concerned about your health, take what you learn from this blog and meet with your personal doctor to discuss your concerns.
