Friday Health & Wellness

Check-In Time

It’s Time to Check In on Your Overall Health

Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional. I am sharing my personal experiences, observations from working in healthcare, and information intended to encourage you to become an active participant in your own health and wellness. Always discuss medical concerns and changes with your qualified healthcare team.

Dear Friends,

If you follow me, you already know that health and wellness are huge parts of my personal and professional life.

Health is something I deal with every day.

I have been blessed to work in the healthcare industry for the past nine years. During that time, I have seen health and wellness up close in ways I will never forget.

I pay attention.

I listen and ask questions because I want to understand.

I can often sense within my being when someone is struggling—even when they have not said it out loud.

I have also come to understand my own health and wellness more deeply as I age. Living with chronic pain and a mobility disability has required me to learn my body, recognize changes and become an active participant in my care.

I understand more today than I did when I was younger.

That understanding did not happen overnight. It came through living, aging, asking questions, paying attention and refusing to stop learning about myself.

Health Is More Than Not Feeling Sick

Most of us recognize when our bodies do not feel well.

We notice pain, fatigue, headaches, stomach problems, changes in our sleep or something else that tells us we are not feeling like ourselves.

But I want to encourage you to look beyond one symptom and learn about your overall health.

The World Health Organization describes health as physical, mental and social well-being—not merely the absence of disease. That definition reminds us that health is bigger than whether we currently have a diagnosis or feel pain. World Health Organization

For me, overall health includes:

• Mind
• Body
• Spirit
• Relationships
• Self-worth

These areas are connected.

When our bodies are hurting, it can affect our mood.

When our minds are overwhelmed, it can affect our sleep, energy and motivation.

When our relationships are unhealthy, stress can settle into every area of our lives.

When we lose our sense of purpose or self-worth, we may stop believing we deserve the care and support we need.

And when we feel supported, connected and valued, we are often better equipped to handle what life brings. Supportive relationships can help us cope with stress and contribute to our health and well-being. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Everything is connected.

Let’s Do an Overall Health and Wellness Check-In

Before we enter the fall and winter seasons, I want to encourage you to join me in completing an honest overall health and wellness check-in.

Not the quick answer we give when someone asks, “How are you?”

I mean a real check-in.

How are you really doing?

Take some time and ask yourself:

• How does my body feel?
• Is there pain, discomfort or another change I have been ignoring?
• Am I sleeping well?
• Am I drinking enough water and eating in a way that supports my body?
• Am I moving my body in ways that are safe and possible for me?
• How am I doing mentally and emotionally?
• What has been creating stress in my life?
• Do I feel supported in my relationships?
• Do I feel connected to other people?
• Do I still feel a sense of purpose?
• How is my spirit?
• How do I feel about myself?
• Where do I need support?
• What don’t I understand about my health?
• What questions do I need to ask my healthcare team?
• Is there an appointment, screening or follow-up I have been postponing?

Be honest with yourself.

This is not about criticizing your body or making yourself feel guilty. It is about identifying where you are today so you can make thoughtful decisions about where you want to go next.

What Do You Need?

Sometimes we know something is wrong, but we do not know what kind of support we need.

You may need:

• An appointment with your healthcare provider
• Help understanding a diagnosis or medication
• A referral to a specialist
• Mental health support
• Better rest and recovery
• More supportive relationships
• Clearer boundaries
• A safer form of movement
• Help with food, transportation or daily care
• Someone trustworthy who will listen
• Permission to admit that you are tired

Keeping regular appointments, staying current with recommended screenings and vaccinations, getting enough sleep, eating nourishing foods and moving in ways appropriate for your body are all parts of caring for your health. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

But wellness is not about doing everything perfectly.

It is about making choices, one at a time, that support the life and body you have right now.

What I Believe

I believe in setting daily intentions.

I believe in putting honest work and energy into improving our health and well-being.

I believe in being truthful with ourselves, a trusted loved one and our healthcare team.

I believe in asking questions until we understand.

I believe in paying attention when our bodies tell us something has changed.

I believe in learning what is normal for us instead of ignoring warning signs because we are busy, afraid or accustomed to pushing through.

I also believe in finding something every day to give thanks for.

Your daily victory does not need to be dramatic.

It may be:

• I got out of bed.
• I drank my water.
• I made the appointment.
• I asked for help.
• I moved my body for five minutes.
• I rested without feeling guilty.
• I told my doctor the truth.
• I made it through a difficult day.
• Today was a good pain day.
• I listened to what my body needed.

Those victories count.

We Can Help Each Other

So many people are struggling quietly.

They may look fine, go to work, care for their families and continue showing up while something inside them is asking for attention.

That is why I believe we need to talk openly about overall health and wellness.

We can encourage one another.

We can share what we have learned.

We can remind each other to make appointments, ask questions and stop ignoring ourselves.

We can listen without judgment.

We can also remind one another that asking for support is not weakness. It is part of taking responsibility for our health.

As we move toward fall and winter, let’s enter the season with greater awareness.

Let’s check in with our minds.

Let’s check in with our bodies.

Let’s check in with our spirits, relationships and sense of self-worth.

Let’s identify what needs attention and take one realistic step toward supporting it.

How are you really doing?

Where do you need support?

What don’t you understand?

What is one thing you can do today to support your overall health and wellness?

We can help each other.

And we can begin by being honest about where we are. 🌻

Lady Flava Wellness 🌻