As the new year kicks off, some of us may be thinking about resolutions or things we want to do differently. Whether you’re into resolutions or not, some of our RVNAhealth health and wellness experts would like to offer a few simple tips and gifts of wisdom. From nutrition and exercise, to doing good, feeling good, being prepared, and nourishing your spiritual side – we hope you find one or more tips to help you make the most of your new year!
Eat Well: Many companies will be looking to capitalize on your desire to improve your health and wellness. Protect your health and your wallet this new year by avoiding gimmicks, fad diets and trending supplements. If you do want to make some changes to optimize your health follow these evidence-based nutrition tips: when possible, eat whole, unprocessed, plant-based foods; eat 5-8 different fruits and veggies per day; and finally, eat a minimum of 35g of fiber–the plant nutrient found in fruits, veggies, whole grains and legumes. – Monica Marcello, RVNAhealth Registered Dietitian
Exercise: Just get moving! In any capacity–just get started. Starting is the hardest part. Keys to success: make sure it’s something you enjoy, put it on your calendar and do not cancel on yourself, make it convenient (at home or close to home, low cost), and get an accountability buddy — Kate Campbell, DPT, RVNAhealth Outpatient Practice Manager
Feel Good: Scheduling your annual wellness exams can often take a lot of work. There are a lot of appointments – physicals, dentist, eye exams, gynecology, and skin screenings, to name just a few! They’re also very hard to keep track of given that they’re often “due” at different times throughout the year, depending on last completion. As a suggestion, to keep things a bit simpler and ensure nothing slips through the cracks, designate one month each year (maybe even the 1st week of that month), to making calls to schedule all your annual exams. They may continue to fall at different times throughout the year but getting in the habit of thinking about and making appointment calls during a single time period can help ensure you stay on track with your well visits! – Dr. Tiffany Sanders, RVNAhealth Hospice Medical Director
Do Good: Did you know 96% of people who volunteer say that volunteering enriches their sense of purpose? Volunteering is a great way to give back to your community, but it also can benefit your overall health and well-being! It can make you feel healthier, improve your mood, and help to make your community a better place. At RVNAhealth, we thrive on the time and talents of our volunteer team in order to serve our patients, families and communities. Please consider volunteering for RVNAhealth in the new year! – Stephanie Peppe, RVNAhealth Hospice Volunteer Coordinator
Spiritual: We care for our bodies by eating right and exercising. But we are so much more than the bodies we inhabit. We are all spiritual beings and that part of us needs nourishment as well. What do you do to care for your soul? Consider one or more of the following in the new year: meditation, journaling, attending services at a house of worship, taking a moment to appreciate your higher power, or prayer. – Garrett Walkup, RVNAhealth Spiritual/Pastoral Care Coordinator
Be Prepared: Peace of mind comes when things are in order. Have you thought about your wishes for care? Reaching decisions for personal care can be a daunting process and an ever changing one. This is why conversations about your wishes are so important…but how do you get started? A variety of resources are available to help you in your process. One such resource is completing a document known as Five Wishes. The Conversation Project is another on-line resource. Most important is to talk about your wishes with those that matter to you! – Cynthia Merritt, RVNAhealth Licensed Social Worker
RVNAhealth wishes you a wonderful new year! And if you need a little extra help getting started with any of the above or have questions for any of our experts, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at 203.438.5555.
