Nurturing Mind, Body, and Spirit: The Dual Approach to Preventative Care
Preventative care is both caring for your mind, body, spirit naturally through lifestyle and diet as well as getting bloodwork, mammograms, and colonoscopy’s ... not one or the other.
If you haven't noticed a theme in my writing yet, it's all about balance. In life, and particularly in matters of wellness, black-and-white thinking can be more limiting than helpful. Here's why:
Complexity of Health: Our health is a multifaceted puzzle with numerous factors at play. Approaching it with a one-size-fits-all mentality oversimplifies the complexity of our bodies and minds.
Individual Variation: Every person is unique, with different needs, genetics, and responses to treatments. What works for one may not work for another, highlighting the need for personalized approaches.
Lifestyle Realities: Life is rarely black and white. We have commitments, challenges, and circumstances that can't always conform to rigid health rules. Balancing health goals with the realities of life is essential.
Psychological Impact: Extreme thinking, such as strict diets or all-or-nothing exercise routines, can lead to stress and anxiety. A more balanced approach promotes mental well-being as well.
Sustainability: Sustainable, long-term health practices are more likely to succeed. Extreme measures are often difficult to maintain and can lead to relapse.
Adaptability: Being flexible in your wellness approach allows you to adapt to changing circumstances, seasons of life, and evolving health needs.
Enjoyment of Life: Wellness should enhance your life, not dominate it. A balanced approach allows you to enjoy the pleasures of life while maintaining your health.
So, remember that balance is not a compromise but a way to harmonize different aspects of your well-being. It's about finding the middle ground that supports your health, happiness, and overall quality of life.
Now, bringing this perspective back to preventive care...
While I absolutely appreciate intuitive healing methods, I also value medical testing and screening. It's easy to feel healthy and overlook routine tests like bloodwork, mammograms, and colonoscopies. However, modern medical testing should not be underestimated. In fact, it's crucial to schedule these tests even when you feel perfectly healthy. This is what distinguishes preventive testing—it's designed to catch potential issues before they become serious. To effectively prevent illness, one must be proactive by staying ahead of potential health concerns. Being proactive means taking action before a problem arises, and it can make the difference between a planned response and a reactive one.
I understand that these tests can be costly, but it's important to do what you can to prioritize your health. Consider reaching out to your health insurance provider to inquire about coverage for preventive testing. Once you have that information, you can create a budget and a timeline that align with your financial situation.
You certainly don't want to strain your finances by undergoing preventive testing, but if you have the means and can develop a budget and schedule that suits you, why not take that step? What's the worst that can happen? Most likely, you'll be just fine, especially if you're feeling great. In the worst-case scenario, they may identify a marker in your tests that requires further investigation. Even then, there's no need to panic. If you're proactive about your health and regularly receive preventive care, any potential issues will likely be detected at an early stage and are usually easier to treat.
My husband has a family history of both heart disease and cancer. Unfortunately, he has already battled cancer and is now healthy and healed, for which we are truly grateful. However, we are determined to prevent any potential cardiac events due to his genetic predisposition. Despite being only 45 years old, his family history has prompted us to be extremely proactive about his medical tests to identify any signs of genetic heart disease.
While he has already made significant lifestyle changes following his cancer experience and chemotherapy, we believe that comprehensive medical testing is an additional layer of reassurance. Why not take a closer look, especially when there is a family history of these illnesses? It provides us with the peace of mind that we are doing everything we can to protect his health.
When you take the time to undergo routine bloodwork and other regular tests, you provide your doctors with valuable historical data and benchmarks. It's easy to fall into the expectation that a doctor should have complete knowledge of your health, but how can they truly get to know you if you haven't invested in building that relationship through your medical history?
We are all unique individuals, and recognizing this, we should also understand that medical benchmarks are just that—benchmarks. They are derived from extensive data sets and can sometimes be dynamic in nature. This is why having your own personal medical history and benchmarks is crucial. Even if you switch to a new doctor at some point, they will have an easier time understanding your health and needs if they can access your past medical history. It's like providing them with a roadmap to your health journey.
Don't know where to start? Here's a basic list to help you get on the right track:
Schedule Regular Check-ups: Begin by making appointments for routine check-ups with your primary care physician, naturopath, and/or any other relevant specialists. This includes your dentist!
Understand Your Family History: Familiarize yourself with your family's medical history to identify potential genetic risk factors.
Discuss Preventive Testing: Have a conversation with your healthcare provider about the appropriate preventive tests based on your age, gender, and family history.
Establish a Health Baseline: Start with baseline tests, including blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels, to monitor changes over time.
Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle: Adopt a balanced diet, engage in regular physical activity, and manage stress to support overall well-being.
Set Health Goals: Identify specific health goals, whether it's weight management, to quit smoking, or better nutrition, and work on achieving them.
Stay Informed: Educate yourself about your health conditions, medications, and any potential side effects. Same goes for natural supplements and vitamins.
Keep Records: Maintain personal health records, including test results, medications, vitamins, supplements, and dates of previous healthcare visits.
Build a Relationship with Your Doctor: Develop a rapport with your healthcare providers by actively participating in discussions and asking questions.
Seek Second Opinions: Don't hesitate to seek a second opinion if you have concerns or questions about your health.
Remember, taking these steps is an investment in your long-term well-being. It's never too late to start, and every small effort you make toward better health can have a significant impact on your future.
Lastly, don't forget to enjoy the process! Stay curious about your body, its needs, and how you can give it the care it deserves. Let go of fear, approach it with a positive mindset, and remember that having a healthy, capable body is a wonderful gift worth celebrating!
I offer 1:1 private health and wellness coaching sessions. To learn more email me at vas@eso-livewell.com to schedule a 15 minute call.