Be your healthiest you — health tips from Bon Secours

Many people never see a doctor until something is wrong. But when it comes to taking care of your health, prevention is key. As a nonprofit health care ministry, Bon Secours’ mission of improving the health and well-being of the communities it serves and bringing good help to those in need is at the forefront. Whether it’s addressing the social determinants of health in the community, providing primary care or offering specialty services to those with more complex needs, Bon Secours is there every step of the way.

We all have to start somewhere, so here are three areas to focus on as you navigate your journey to better health.

Weight management

You don’t have to be fashionably thin to be healthy, but obesity — a harmful excess of body fat — can take a serious toll on your health. It’s a word with a lot of judgment around it, so understanding the term is important.

“Obesity is not a description. It’s a diagnosis of a chronic disease,” said Jeannine Moss, DNP, APRN-BC, FNP, a nurse practitioner at Bon Secours St. Mary’s Hospital. “A person isn’t obese — they have obesity.”

Among the many conditions associated with obesity are high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes and cancer, as well as joint problems that can affect your mobility.

Obesity is determined by your body mass index, the ratio between your height and weight. Bon Secours monitors your BMI at every medical appointment and records it in its electronic records system. You can also learn your BMI and what your number means with this CDC calculator.

If you do have obesity, the Bon Secours St. Mary's Weight Management Center is known for its successful weight management programs.

First — and there’s no getting around it — lifestyle changes are essential. Eat healthful foods, drink plenty of water, move your body and get a good night’s sleep.

Unfortunately, for people with obesity, that usually isn’t enough.

“Almost everyone who struggles with obesity is used to failure,” Moss said. “So other approaches are needed, and they can be very effective. But there’s no quick fix. There's no magic. You have to make those lifestyle changes too.”

Medications for obesity can be a huge help, but they should be used under careful medical supervision and in conjunction with lifestyle changes. Bariatric surgery, another weight loss treatment option, can be an effective tool to treat obesity and obesity-related diseases. There are different types of bariatric surgery, and Bon Secours Weight Management Center works in partnership with patients to come up with a plan that is tailored to meet individual needs.

To help you on your weight management journey, Bon Secours also offers counseling, support groups, meal planning and more.

Staying healthy all winter

During the winter, people spend more time indoors, eating, snacking and sitting in front of the TV, so it’s easy to slip into poor lifestyle habits.

Planning your meals ahead of time will keep you from impulsively making poor food choices — and be sure to spend some time outdoors, even if it’s cold.

“Working out on a treadmill in your warm Virginia house is good exercise — but it’s not the same as getting out. Bundle up, get some fresh air and enjoy the sunshine,” said Moss. “Even a short walk releases those wonderful, feel-good hormones.”

Vaccinations and screenings

Two other things are essential for your health: the prevention and early detection of disease.

Stay current with your flu and COVID-19 shots, and ask your doctor about other vaccines, such as tetanus, shingles and HPV.

Screening for breast, colorectal and other types of cancers, as well as for osteoporosis and depression, are also essential, because the earlier you detect a problem, the easier it is to treat.

MyChart, Bon Secours’ electronic medical records system, keeps track of all your vaccinations and screenings, so you can stay up to date on what you need and when.

Moss offered a few final words of advice for your health and well-being: “Give yourself permission to pause and take a breath,” she said. “Enjoy being with your family and friends. And be sure to spend some time outdoors.”

For more information, visit bonsecours.com.

This content is provided for informational purposes only by the advertiser and is not a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment. Please consult your healthcare provider for medical advice. Any views, thoughts or opinions in this paid post belong solely to the advertiser and do not represent the views of Brand Ave. Studios or its parent company.

This content was produced by Brand Ave. Studios. The news and editorial departments had no role in its creation or display. Brand Ave. Studios connects advertisers with a targeted audience through compelling content programs, from concept to production and distribution. For more information contact sales@brandavestudios.com.