What Does It Mean To Be Healthy?

These days, our world is full of many things that claim to make us healthy. It’s easy to become overwhelmed and confused by gluten-free grocery sections, intense exercise training methods, unrealistic Instagram photos and restaurants catering to different eating styles.

With such an array of new choices, influences and buzzwords, it’s important to understand what being healthy means for you.

Being healthy isn’t a fad or trend. Instead, it’s a lifestyle - and the rules are different for everyone. The root of being healthy is about being well; focusing on taking care of yourself and doing things that keep you feeling your best. It’s not just about the physical aspects like eating better and exercising. It’s about all aspects of your health: physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually. This means understanding yourself, your needs and how to respond to them in balance.

Making good decisions for yourself and your loved ones is the first step to living a healthy lifestyle.

Realize that good health takes more than an apple a day.

It takes a trusted partnership with a primary care provider. From allergies to X-rays, and everything in between, a primary care provider can help you live a healthy and well life by providing regular check-ups, immunizations and preventive screenings. If you need specialized care for a specific health concern, your primary care doctor can connect you with a specialist who has the expertise you need.

Schedule your annual preventive health screening visit with your Primary Care Provider (PCP).

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), fewer than one third of adults, ages 50-64, are up-to-date with important preventive services. These visits not only can give you peace of mind, but also can catch issues in early, more treatable stages, which may mean less invasive therapy and impact on your quality of life.

Avoid the “what I don’t know can’t hurt me” approach when it comes to your health.

Take the time to know. Break the cycle by putting yourself and your loved ones’ health first.

For a list of North Oaks Physician Group primary care providers, click here. For more information on North Oaks Physician Group providers, call (985) 230-7850.

It is important for you and your family/caregivers to be involved in the decision-making process to help you understand all aspects of good health maintenance and the treatment of illness.” - William G. Plunkett, MD, Northshore Internal Medicine Associates

“Care equals prevention. Some diseases, such as high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol, are also known as ‘silent killers.’ These diseases may not have symptoms, but damage is being done slowly. Yearly screenings, including labs, can pick up early illness, reducing sickness and mortality down the road.” - Charles R. Ducombs, MD, Northshore Internal Medicine Associates