Physical Wellness

Physical wellness encompasses a variety of healthy behaviors including adequate exercise, proper nutrition and abstaining from harmful habits such as drug use and alcohol abuse. It means learning about and identifying symptoms of disease, getting regular medical checkups, and protecting yourself from injuries and harm.  A healthy lifestyle can enhance mental health, bring a sense of well-being and help keep your body strong.

About Physical Wellness

Taking care of your body can help you get healthy and stay well. Eating a nutritious diet gives your body the vitamins and minerals it needs. Regular exercise keeps your muscles – including your heart muscle – strong.  Getting enough sleep keeps your brain and body working at top performance.  Physical wellness keeps your immune system strong to reduce your risk for infection which cuts down on sick time.

When you are healthy, you are better able to take care of yourself and others.  Good health  also helps improve your mental health and social wellbeing, as you may be more likely to enjoy everyday activities when you feel well.

Improving Your Physical Wellness

Everyone can improve their physical wellness through diet, exercise and regular visits to their healthcare providers. Your practitioner can measure certain indicators of physical wellness, such as your blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol level. Your clinician may recommend preventive screening to detect cancer and other illnesses early. Preventive screening includes colonoscopy and mammogram for colorectal cancer and breast cancer. Regular vaccinations can improve physical wellness by reducing your risk for the flu or other infectious diseases.

Tips for optimal physical wellness:

  • Exercise daily
  • Get adequate rest
  • Use seat belts, helmets, and other protective equipment
  • Learn to recognize early signs of illness
  • Eat a variety of healthy foods
  • Control your meal portions
  • Stop smoking and protect yourself against second-hand smoke
  • Use alcohol in moderation, if at all

Are you engaged in the process of physical wellness?

  • Do you know important health numbers, like my cholesterol, weight, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels?
  • Do you get annual physical exams?
  • Do you avoid using tobacco products?
  • Do you get sufficient amount of sleep?
  • Do you have an established exercise routine?

If you answered "No" to any of the questions, it may indicate an area where you need to improve the state of your physical wellness.

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