7 Ways to Feel Better and Be Healthier from a Primary Care Doctor
Most people know that they should pay close attention to their health, but the idea of doing things to stay healthy can be daunting. However, it doesn’t have to be. With the help of your primary care physician, you can easily maintain good overall health. Dr. Michael Frost laid out seven very doable goals that can help you achieve better overall health.
Make wise food choices
One of the best ways to promote good health is by eating a diet rich in vegetables and fruits while also incorporating protein and dairy products.
“You need a healthy amount of “real” foods in your diet,” Dr. Frost suggested. “Real foods are fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, eggs, healthy meats, fish, and poultry. These are single-ingredient foods with no artificial additives, and they provide tons of nutrients. Good starches like sweet potatoes, beans, squash, and healthy fats like avocadoes and olive oil round out that balanced diet and will do wonders for your health.”
Drink plenty of water all day, every day
It’s not new news, water is essential for good health. Drinking water all throughout the day will ensure that your body is properly hydrated. But what you may not know is that it also has other health benefits.
“Water helps break down the foods you eat and allows your body to absorb their nutrients,” revealed Dr. Frost. “It also regulates your body temperature, keeps your joints lubricated, and helps prevent infection. You drink more, you pee more, and you flush out harmful bacteria. A great tip to follow is to carry a water bottle with you wherever you go so you’ll be more inclined to drink from it on a regular basis all throughout the day.”
Make exercise routine
Some people find it hard to make time to exercise but if a person sets up and follows a routine each week then they are more likely to be able to make exercising a more regular task. Routines help people stay on track for important things and exercise should definitely be one of those.
“Exercise helps you stay physically and mentally fit as you age. The benefits go beyond building muscle and a stronger heart. It also triggers the release of feel-good hormones, which are what you need to relax, stay optimistic, and maintain your sense of well-being, all of which are great for your health. If you can make exercise more routine, then you have a better chance of consistently having that positive vibe and mindset.”
Visit a primary care doctor regularly
One way that you can ensure that your health is in pristine condition is to visit your primary care doctor often. This allows for regular checkups of one’s health to ensure that there aren’t any abnormalities.
“Health screenings are a form of preventive care,” highlighted Dr. Frost. “If you detect diseases in their early stages, that’s when they are most treatable. Your doctor can monitor your health if you are visiting regularly and order any health screenings you may need when appropriate- screenings that look for things like heart disease, diabetes, breast cancer, and colorectal cancer, all for the purpose of trying to catch these conditions early.”
Avoid excessive amounts of sugar
High amounts of sugar can be harmful to the body and a good way to avoid harming the body is by avoiding excessive amounts of sugar.
“Sugar itself isn’t a bad thing,” explained Dr. Frost. “Our bodies actually need sugar. Where the problem lies is that a majority of Americans consume too much added sugar, which can lead to health problems like obesity, diabetes, heart disease, some cancers, and a host of other things. If you can reduce your sugar intake, you can reduce your risk of developing any health problems and you can also improve your dental health, your weight, and even the quality of your skin.”
Take breaks throughout your day
A lot of people work throughout the day and they often forget to take breaks. Taking a quick walk or just a moment to decompress can help you remain healthy in both physical and mental ways.
“People who are under too much stress have a greater risk for heart attacks and stroke,” said Dr. Frost. “It’s unrealistic for anyone to completely cut stress out of their life, but things like taking breaks throughout your day, going for a walk, and stepping away from your desk for a while to breathe or do some relaxation techniques can be great stress relievers. You’ll probably notice too that your mind will feel more invigorated, more energized to get you through the day.”
“Outside of work, do things that you like and that relax you. Cooking, fishing, getting a massage, and spending time in environments that you love like the beach or the river. These things may differ from person to person based on your interests. Also, go hang out with your friends. Maintaining healthy friendships helps you feel connected and can have remarkable benefits on your overall health both mentally and physically, especially if they are good friends that help you avoid unhealthy habits like drinking.”
Get plenty of sleep regularly
You need sleep. It’s during this time of rest that the body restores and repairs itself. Your body uses sleep to repair and recover. Sleep impacts overall health as it helps you manage health factors such as weight, blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes risks more effectively.
“It’s important to get enough sleep each night, typically 8 hours and no less than 6 hours. But it’s also important that you get that every, single night. Consistent, good quality sleep is the key. Keep in mind that no nap will make up for the sleep you lost,” Dr. Frost stressed.
Talk with your primary care doctor today
While all of these health promotion tips will help you remain healthy, Dr. Michael Frost recommended that you also consult with a primary care provider.
“Because each person’s body is different, it is crucial that you speak with a doctor to ensure that every measure you take for your health is only going to be good for your body. The routine check-ups and health screenings you get when you visit your family doctor, help in building the right plan for you by taking into account your current health condition and empowering you to make the best decisions regarding your health.”
Don’t have a primary care provider?
No problem! Dr. Michael Frost is accepting new patients at CMC Primary Care’s Carolina Forest- Towne Center location. However, if Carolina Forest isn’t convenient for you Conway Medical Center has other convenient locations across Horry County. No matter where you live, there is a CMC Primary Care doctor near you.
We have offices in the following locations:
Michael Frost, DO
CMC Primary Care – Towne Center (Carolina Forest)
To set an appointment with Dr. Michael Frost at CMC Primary Care – Towne Center, call 843-347-8000 today!
