Health Goals
"He who has health has hope, and he who has hope has everything."
-Anonymous
With the close of 2023 on the horizon, I challenge you to take a health inventory. How did you do in 2023? Did you make your health a priority? Only YOU can make your health a priority. The better your health, the better your overall quality of life. Our health and wellness should not be an afterthought; in 2024, be proactive and not reactive. If it has been a few years since your last checkup, I challenge you to prioritize this for 2024—regular checkups benefit people of all ages.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), focusing on making healthy choices can significantly reduce your risk of chronic diseases. Avoiding chronic conditions like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and obesity can also lower your risk for some infectious diseases like the flu and COVID-19. These health behaviors are only one piece of the puzzle. Routine preventative care can help catch problems early, thus helping you live a longer, healthier life.
Additional and frequent screenings may be recommended based on personal risk factors such as family or medical history. Always consult your doctor for a personalized preventative screening schedule. Early detection is vital for treatment success and longevity. Health screening is considered an integral part of preventive care as you age. For those of us who are 65+, these are a few of the recommended health screenings:
- Annual Mammogram
- Diabetes screening: every three years
- Colorectal cancer screening
- Lung cancer screening: with certain risk factors
- Blood pressure and cholesterol screening
- Hearing test: Regular checks beginning at age 65
- Osteoporosis screening: once annually for women
In addition to staying up-to-date on the recommended wellness and preventative screenings, try to be mindful of your current stress level- chronic stress can take a toll on our bodies. The holiday season is busy with mile-long to-do lists. Some practical ways to reduce stress include taking a breather, walking, or phoning a friend. These are proven to reduce stress, calm, and ease the mind. Scan the QR code below to watch a short video for further stress management and health improvement information.
We at Midland Health are passionate about inspiring our community to improve their health and providing the tools to accomplish excellent health. We look forward to continuing to serve our community in the next year and years to come.
What will be your health goal for 2024?
