Living Texas Health’s Mission of improving the health of the people in the communities we serve starts with all of us. The beginning of a new year is a good time to assess your current habits and modify them to help you achieve your health goals.
Focusing on the connection between physical activity and emotional well-being can have an immediate impact. With suggestions from Texas Health Physicians Group (THPG) providers and leaders, consider actions you can take to improve your health in 2024.
Get moving
To integrate more movement into your life, it’s important to find a method that motivates you and works with your schedule.
- “If you feel like you need to exercise more but never make or find the time, sign up and pay for a class or private trainer. You will then force yourself to schedule the time, treat it as important (because you paid for it), and you will be more likely to show up. Your health is an investment and you should treat it as such.”– Todd Richwine, D.O., THPG chief medical informatics officer; Family Medicine
- “Taking a walk outdoors after you eat is good for you. For those who are at risk for prediabetes or type-2 diabetes, walking for 15 minutes after a meal have smaller blood glucose spikes in the hours afterward, and it’s most effective after dinner. Walking outside improves your balance and strengthens your hips, knees and ankles, too. It is also great for your mental health, enhancing your sense of happiness and self-esteem.”– Sandip Mehta, D.O., THPG assistant chief quality officer; Internal Medicine
- “My program includes morning exercise with a group five to six days a week and meal planning. One research study showed that exercising with others enhances feelings of accomplishment and helps resolve problems.”– Jeanette Hatfield, DNP, ANP-BC, CVNP-BC, Cardiology
Create connections
The connection between physical activity and well-being is strong. While you are reaping physical benefits from increased movement, your mood and emotional health also get a boost.
- “Simply move. Get up, get out and move around. It has so many benefits physically and psychologically, and I’d even say, spiritually.”– William Drake, M.D., Family Medicine
In addition to physical activity, interpersonal relationships and taking time for yourself are essential for improved well-being.
- “While I get a lot of energy from my relationships, I’ve learned that a little ‘me time’ each day really helps my well-being. I love the early morning hours with my book and a cup of coffee, and then again at the 5 o’clock timeframe when I decompress after a busy day before fixing dinner.”– Lynn Myers, M.D., THPG chief medical and quality officer; Family Medicine
- “In addition to exercise and a healthy lifestyle, adequate sleep and a connection to others are important pillars of health.”– Michael Rogers, M.D., Family Medicine
- “My favorite health tip is to spend time with loved ones and set some time aside for yourself every day.”– Chidinma Amakiri, D.O., Internal Medicine
What healthy habits are you committing to this year?
