We all experience pain at various times of our lives. Sometimes we understand why things start hurting because there’s a direct connection between something we did or we suffered an injury. But other times it doesn’t make any sense and we have no idea what’s causing our pain
No matter what the actual cause, there are several important life concepts I like to discuss with my patients when they need help figuring out a specific health challenge.
I tell them, “Start with your MEDS...”
Mindfulness: This means paying attention to your thoughts and giving yourself the space to both accept them and analyze what they might mean.
Exercise: The CDC recommends adults perform 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise and 2 days of strength training per week. It’s okay to divide these 150 minutes in a way that works best in your busy life, but just be sure to stay consistent. Only 24.2% of American adults are currently meeting this goal.
Diet: This doesn’t mean going on a diet. It’s about paying attention to what you are ingesting day in and day out. What foods do you eat that are inflammatory? Proper protein intake is a huge concern as we age and can vary depending on how much activity we get. Please remember that we’re not saying you can’t ever again eat certain foods. This is more about paying attention to what we eat and how it makes us feel physically afterward.If you need guidance, please consult a nutritionist who takes a fitness-forward approach. I personally recommend Maria Higgins at VC Nutrition (reference link below).
Sleep: This one is huge. According to the CDC, 1 in 3adults doesn’t get enough sleep. We need proper rest because that’s when our body heals after exercise and the rigors of daily life. Sleep also plays an important role in immune function, metabolism, regulating our emotions, can reduce risk of injury, and helps heart health. Getting the right amount of sleep can even help you stay consistent with the other items mentioned in this MEDS list.
We know that all of this can seem like a lot. Start with small changes and allow success to build up slowly. Always ask for support when you need it. We’re here to help you every step of the way.
