Apologies if my title for this one offends or startles you. I was really hoping you’d read it and maybe smile a little too. I was having my annual routine mammogram today, and it got me thinking about preventive care in its broadest sense. Given what I do for a living as a wellness professional, it surely comes as no surprise to you that preventive care is something I value highly and encourage among all my family, friends, and clients. So, during my time spent naked and pressed against the robotic mammogram machine, I got thinking about the different ways we all think about, define, and honor preventive care (I mean, what else is there to do in that glorious moment?).
To me, preventive care means doing everything within our powers to care for our bodies and minds naturally, intentionally, and on a regular basis with the goal of being able to live our happiest, healthiest lives void of disease, chronic pain, and suffering (in all senses of the word). In many ways, it’s much like self-care (I know, a mammogram feels a bit less pampery than a mani-pedi, but we gotta do it!). This includes how we move our bodies, what we eat, how well we sleep, how we manage our stress, how much joy and fulfillment life brings us, and how well we balance the areas of our lives such as work and family. Really, anything you might define as a “healthy lifestyle behavior” can be woven into your preventive care plan.
Wait, you don’t have a plan?? Haha, just kidding. I get it. I’m human too. I totally understand that our focus on preventive care typically ebbs and flows over time. And unfortunately, it’s during the times we would benefit from it the most that we often neglect it. In fact, surveys have shown that preventive care fell off the radar for many people during the height of the COVID pandemic when our immune systems and mental and physical health needed it the most.
The good news is, it’s never too late to re-implement or come up with a whole new preventive care plan for yourself! Here’s one idea I encourage my clients to try who are looking for a long-term approach. Pull out your calendar and assign a different theme to each month. You can look to the national recognition/education months if that’s helpful (such as focusing on breast health and screening during October, or reducing your sugar consumption and getting screened for diabetes during November). You can also plug in themes that correspond with the seasons (such as committing to more outdoor exercise during April, or focusing on adequate hydration during July). This strategy helps you ensure that you’re taking a well-rounded approach to your preventive care and takes some of the pressure off of potentially over-burdening yourself and then throwing in the towel altogether.
If you prefer a shorter-term approach or find you do better with ongoing variety, look at the upcoming week or month, and decide which preventive care actions you’ll take each day and put them on your calendar (with reminders). For example, if you’ve gotten behind on your health screenings, make a list of all that are due, and mark a day to make the calls to get them scheduled. Or if you’ve been putting off getting more active, invite a friend or neighbor to join you on regular walks or bike rides based on a schedule that works for both of you (accountability is a great motivator!). If better nutrition is your focus, mark a day each week (maybe a Sunday if that’s a quieter day for you) to sit down and meal plan for the week with your recipes and shopping lists. Include any family members to get their input and help getting it all done as well (bonus: their preventive care will get a boost too)!
The bottom line is these super complex, amazing human bodies we occupy don’t simply thrive on their own. Sure, we can maybe sur-vive for a while without putting in the extra care, but I would much rather thrive long term, wouldn’t you?? If you find you need some help making this happen, getting started, or sticking to it, feel free to reach out any time. That’s what I’m here for! Now get out there and enjoy some preventive care today. Your body will thank you! (Mine thanked me twice today – the second time was my nose thanking me for putting on some deodorant after it was all over.) What’s one form of preventive care you struggle with the most? Share with us in the comments below. We can help give you some inspiration and motivation!
No spam here! Just occasional healthy tips to educate, motivate, and inspire you!
Great article Christine! I struggle with drinking enough water! I know I need to, I know how good and important it is, but I still struggle to do it!
Thank you, Peggy! I hear ya, hydration is tops on so many people’s list! If I ever slack on my water intake, my body lashes out with headaches or foot cramps, so I’m motivated to stay on top of it. I hope you find the trick that works for you – herb/fruit infused water, reminder timers, drinking several big gulps with every bathroom break, a fun water bottle that rewards you. 😉 Good luck!