Habits of our healthiest patients
Change your habits, change your life
Many people are planning on making 2023, the year that they become healthier and happier. There are many studies that show that healthy habits help people to live longer and avoid or delay serious illnesses.
For many, behavior change is difficult, but it can be done more easily with support. At Exemplar Care, our primary care providers work together with our members to take steps toward improving their lives. As well as treating patients when they are sick, we partner with patient members as they pursue a healthy life. There are different ways to achieve different goals. Some patients may try to lose weight or improve their fitness, while others may wish to manage their stress or reduce their cholesterol levels.
Our health is based on the habits that we develop. These habits can be small things that we do without thinking, like brushing our teeth or eating healthy foods. Over time, these habits can have a big impact on our health. By practicing healthier habits, we can live longer, healthier lives.
Here are habits that we have identified in our healthiest patients:
1. They find ways to incorporate a daily activity that they enjoy
There are many ways to be active so find an activity that you enjoy, and you are more likely to make it part of your routine. Start small and build up exercise as you feel fitter. This could be taking the stairs, parking further away, walking the dog, dancing to a favorite song, or having fun with the family. Even reducing the amount of time that you are sitting is a small step forward. Schedule a time to move in a way that is enjoyable to you.
2. They prioritize setting themselves up for a good night’s sleep
When you don’t get enough quality sleep, it can affect your mood, you become low on energy, you can’t concentrate, and you are less productive. Over time, according to the CDC, insufficient sleep can affect your overall health and can lead to a variety of chronic diseases.
Our healthy patients have developed routines to stick to a consistent sleep schedule. These include regular exercise, limiting screen time before bed, and limiting afternoon naps.
If you have concerns or need help with your sleep, please contact your doctor so they can get to the root cause of your insomnia or lack of quality sleep.
3. Their diet is healthy
Nearly 1 in 3 American adults are overweight and the diet industry continues to grow in value, bringing new products and programs to market. Many of these diets are not sustainable and many people that lose weight do not manage to keep it off.
Most of our healthiest patients achieve and maintain a healthy weight by eating healthy foods and not eating too much at once. They indulge sometimes but stick to a healthy diet most of the time.
Primary care providers can offer tips and strategies for including healthy eating habits. This is a process that takes time and patience, but the health benefits are worth it.
4. Their approach to healthcare is proactive
We engage with our healthiest patients just as much as those with poor health. This is because our healthy patients are proactive about their health, they schedule appointments for annual physicals, and routine screenings and discuss areas of concern rather than only visiting when they are sick.
By putting the patient at the center of care and providing access and longer appointments, our patients build relationships with their providers, empowering patients to be proactive about their healthcare.
So, as you pursue a healthier happier life, break it down into small changes and add these to your schedule. Living a healthy life takes dedication and discipline and being intentional and proactive about change.
At Exemplar Care, we allow our member patients to build a relationship with their healthcare provider.
Our primary care providers work with you in your pursuit of better health. Are you interested in connecting with us to learn more?
