Taking Strides Towards Better Health and Wellness
Nature Therapy
The healing properties of nature have long been studied. According to Harvard Medical School, the Japanese practice of “forest bathing”, uses nature walks to remain present in the body.
A 2019 study in the National Library of Medicine concludes that, “Greater exposure to, or contact with, the natural environments is associated with better health and well-being.” The study suggested that spending 120 minutes a week in nature improved self-reported health and well-being.
The CDC recommends that adults get 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity each week. Additionally, they also recommend 2 days of muscle strengthening activities weekly. Consider activities like hiking, paddle-boarding, beach walks, into your weekly activities? Gabriella Leary, PA of CMC Primary Care Surfside shares how exercise and nutrition can play a role in your overall health here
Sensory Therapy
Dust off those dancing shoes! A 2016 study by the American Journal of Prevention Medicine, found that moderate-intensity dancing was associated with a reduced risk for cardiovascular disease mortality.
As a core exercise, it can strengthen both your balance and stability. Also, a 2003 study in the New England Journal of Medicine found that participation in leisure activities, such as dancing, has been associated with a lower risk of dementia. This is your sign to dance like nobody’s watching!
Have you ever participated in sound therapy? Sound therapy may include singing bowls, Om chanting, or listening to music.
The Harvard Center for Primary Care reports that musical interventions are increasingly used to cope with stress, pain, anxiety, and depression. A 2017 study featured in the National Library of Medicine found that music therapy had a positive impact on anxiety levels in cancer patients undergoing stimulation for radiation therapy.
As a matter of fact, Conway Medical Center volunteer musicians perform for our patients in the hospital and cancer center.
Yoga
Originating in India as a spiritual practice, yoga has soared in popularity and practice in America. Yoga often includes physical poses (asanas) and breathing techniques (pranayama).
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, studies suggest that yoga may improve general wellness. It does this by relieving stress, supporting good habits, and improving mental/emotional health, sleep, and balance.
Practicing yoga may help people lose weight, quit smoking, manage anxiety, and relieve menopause symptoms. Dr. Kayla Richardson of CMC Primary Care Postal Way shares this about yoga, “Everyone can do yoga because the practice meets the yogi where they are and builds from there. If you fall over, you get back up and keep going. Use a chair, the wall, some cushions, whatever you need to make your yoga practice work for you. Yoga can improve your physical, mental, and spiritual strength, balance, and flexibility, so it really is the most holistic form of exercise.”
The CMC Wellness Program offers yoga classes in our Rehabilitation Services Building, taught by CMC Physical Therapist and yoga instructor, Morgan. Morgan shares, “Yoga means to unite mind, body, and spirit. It’s more than just the asana which so many people focus on. Being present and dedicating time for oneself to move, breath and just be, is yoga all on its own.” Classes are free to CMC employees and help promote a culture of self-care and wellness.
According to the Mayo clinic “If you are unsure of your health status, have multiple health problems, or are pregnant, speak with your doctor before starting a new exercise program.”
Our Primary Care Providers treat the whole patient. Dr. Johnson of CMC Primary Care Little River shares the importance of focusing on your health, body, mind, and spirit here
Gabriella Leary, PA
Kayla Richardson, MD
