Focusing on Whole Body Health
As we age, we become vulnerable to many different diseases and conditions, but many patients delay taking care of their health until after something happens. And, many of the conditions thought only to affect a specific organ or joint are now known to have consequences for other body areas. This makes whole-body health more important than ever.
Instead of reacting, here’s how you can take proactive care of your health and limit your risks of a medical emergency, all the way from your head down to your feet.
Brain Tips
Your brain is arguably the most important organ in the human body, making it essential to take care of it throughout your life. Eating a healthy diet can help support your brain and other organ groups, but exercising your brain is even more critical — and we don’t mean hitting the gym.
Using critical thinking skills through puzzles, social interactions, and other actions can help support healthy brain function. At the same time, it’s also essential to give your brain a rest — so don’t be afraid to throw in some meditation into the mix.
Strokes & Brain Injuries
Strokes are the fifth leading cause of death and the most common cause of disability in the United States. If you believe you are having a stroke, it is crucial to seek treatment to prevent brain damage immediately.
Because of your brain’s importance, suffering an injury to your head can be one of the most severe conditions requiring immediate medical attention. If you’ve suffered a head injury, you should see your doctor determine if you have a concussion or other life-altering condition.
Heart Tips
Did you know that a heart attack occurs every 40 seconds in the United States? To prevent a cardiac incident, it’s important to take proper care of your heart and blood vessels. Some of the best ways to do this include:
- Quit smoking.
- Limit your sodium intake.
- See your cardiologist as recommended.
- Lower your cholesterol and blood pressure through diet and exercise.
Lung Tips
Many of our patients come to us with emergency shortness of breath symptoms — which could come from a range of different conditions. But one thing is for certain: taking care of your lungs can help protect your respiratory system if you get sick and are unable to breathe.
Here are some ways to improve your lung health:
- Avoid exposure to pollutants.
- Exercise regularly.
- Work on deep breathing.
- Treat pre-existing conditions such as asthma.
Bone & Joint Tips
The adult human skeletal system includes 206 named bones connected by cartilage, tendons, ligaments, and three types of joints. This means that keeping your bones and joints healthy is just as important as protecting your main organ groups.
Here are some ways to protect those delicate bones and joints:
- Take in plenty of calcium and vitamin D.
- Practice low-impact activities such as yoga.
- Do regular stretches, such as making ‘ABCs’ with your ankles.
- Maintain healthy ergonomics when sitting or working.
- Protect your bones and joints with appropriate sports gear.
Skin Tips
Did you know that your risk of developing deadly melanoma doubles when you’ve had a history of 5 or more sunburns? Your skin holds all of your internal organs in place, so it’s important to protect it. Remember always to protect your skin outdoors and seek treatment for sunburns, wounds, and other emergency skin-related injuries.
Knowing Your Family History
Remember what we said about being proactive, not reactive? Knowing your family’s history can help you be mindful of what conditions you should monitor yourself for.
If you have a family history of certain conditions, namely diabetes or heart disease, knowing this information can help save your life. Always share this medical history with your doctor, so they can advise you on lifestyle adjustments, monitor your levels, and create a treatment plan if necessary.
Visit the Doctor, Even if it Doesn’t Seem Urgent
Studies show that men are less likely to go to the doctor than women, leading to an increased amount of undiagnosed or untreated medical issues. Remember, if something doesn’t seem right, always visit your doctor — especially if it’s something that could be a medical emergency.
Read More: Recognizing Medical Emergencies
Serving Patients in Paris & Greenville, TX
Quality Care ER is dedicated to becoming the leader in delivering 24-hour emergency care in Paris, Texas, and the surrounding areas. Our emergency department is a free-standing emergency room not physically attached to a hospital. We provide full-service care for both major and minor injuries and illnesses.
Our medical team is committed to providing exceptional customer service and timely medical care. Call (903) 417-0886 to learn more.
