Category: Primary Care

Heart and Mind Health

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Heart and Mind Health

Heart and Mind Health

There is a direct relationship between heart and mind health. Although the relationship is sometimes overlooked, understanding the connection can help improve your overall wellness.

The following information is inspired by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and their Hearts + Minds program.

Mental Health is Physical Health

The health of one’s body and mind are connected. By improving one aspect of your health, you are contributing to your overall wellness. Self-care is vital in the prevention and treatment of disease. In addition, you will likely see improvements to your mental health when taking care of your body.

Listen to your Body

Our bodies are constantly sending information to our brains. Whether it may be anything from feelings of pain to fatigue, these feelings are our bodies’ way of communicating. By learning to listen to your body, you are taking an important step towards preventative health. In addition, by listening to your body you will gain a better understanding of yourself, which can be helpful when explaining your symptoms to your healthcare provider.

Get Physical

Physical activity benefits both heart and mind health. Many healthcare providers actually view exercise as a form of treatment, given how effective it can be in improving one’s health. 

Exercise has clear health benefits for one’s weight, heart, and risk of disease. It also has been found to improve mental health for many.

It is important to find a form of physical activity that is right for you. Choose an activity that you are capable of and also enjoy.

Improve Your Nutrition

Every meal and snack you eat provides an opportunity for you to improve your nutrition. You can view food as a tool for health. Even seemingly small changes to your diet or lifestyle can benefit your physical and mental health.

We encourage you to speak to your healthcare provider for tips on how to improve your personal nutrition. 

Find Support

Look for support in your journey towards heart and mind health through friends and family. Also, we recommend reaching out to your health care professional for more help and guidance. 

Read More

To read more about heart and mind health, we recommend viewing NAMI’s Heart + Minds program via the following link: https://heartsandminds.nami.org/

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Self-Care Tips for Heart Health

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Self-Care Tips for Heart Health

Self-Care Tips for Heart Health

February is American Heart Month, which brings an opportunity for you to learn self-care tips for heart health. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, but there are steps you can take to better prevent it. Taking time for even seemingly small acts of self-care can do wonders for your overall health. It also can help you maintain a healthy blood pressure as well as reduce your risk for heart disease and stroke.

The following list consists of self-care tips that can help you keep your heart healthy.

Speak With Your Doctor

A great first step towards heart health is to speak with your health care provider. They can run labs, assess your risk, and help you create a plan for a healthy heart. 

Exercise

Exercise is very beneficial for your heart and overall health, even if in small amounts. Daily, or almost daily, physical activity is recommended for most to help ensure heart health.

Reduce Intake of Sodium and Unhealthy Fats

Try to eat meals that are low in sodium and do not contain unhealthy fats. Having a diet that consists of high levels of sodium and unhealthy fats can increase your risk of heart disease, so it is best to limit or avoid these foods when possible.

Get Enough Sleep

Sleep is vital to maintaining a healthy body. The CDC recommends adults get 7-8 hours of sleep every night.

 

Manage Your Stress

By managing your stress, you can help work towards a healthy heart. According to Heart.org, “negative psychological health / mental health is associated with an increased risk of heart disease and stroke.” Try implementing activities in your life that help reduce your stress levels. This may include reading a book, meditating, taking a bath, or anything else that might calm you.

 

Learn More and Resources

There are many ways that you can help maintain the health of your heart. We recommend speaking with your health care provider to learn more. To read more about self-care tips for heart health, the following resources are suggested:

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Read more articles:  https://nwmind-bodywellness.com/articles/

Listening to Your Body

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Listening to Your Body

LIStening to Your Body

Listening to your body can help provide you vital information about what your body needs. Both physical and emotional signals can offer insight as to how to keep our bodies healthy. These signals may not always seem clear, but with practice you can learn how to better listen to your body.

 

Emotional and Physical Signals

It is important to begin to recognize the signals your body gives you and what they indicate in terms of your health.

Signs can be emotional, meaning you may be feeling “sluggish” or fatigued. These signals could be your body telling you that you aren’t getting enough rest or nutrients. They also could be warning signs of a mental health issue. 

Signs can also be physical, such as pain. Pain may be an indicator that your muscles are strained or that it is time to seek medical assistance for a more serious problem. Physical symptoms can also include you feeling tense and like your heart is beating fast, which could possibly point to you experiencing stress or anxiety.

 

Taking Action

Recognizing these signs will allow you to think about what may cause them and how to create the necessary change. Learning to better recognize and manage symptoms can be beneficial, but it is also important to speak with your healthcare provider about distressing emotional or physical symptoms you may be experiencing. Consider making a list of what your body is feeling, and what it might be a reaction to, and share these things with your provider.

 

Resources and Finding Treatment

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How to Choose a New Primary Care Provider

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How to Choose a New Primary Care Provider

how To Choose a New Primary Care Provider

You may wonder how to choose a new primary care provider, whether you just moved, changed insurance, or any other reason for a switch. The choice may seem daunting, but we believe that if you follow these tips, you will find the exact care that you need.

“I find primary care to be a powerful tool in improving the health of both individuals and the community,” says Amanda Weiland, MSN, FNP-C, a nurse practitioner at NW Mind-Body Wellness. 

Think About the Qualities you Want in your Provider

Making a list of ideal qualities and specializations you hope to find in a primary care provider is a great first step. It allows you to assess your own wants and needs, which can be greatly beneficial in knowing what kind of care to seek out.

Ask for Referrals

Friends, family, and co-workers can all be great resources for health care referrals. A recommendation from someone you trust can go a long way.

Make Sure the Provider is “In Network”

Ensuring that you choose a primary care provider that is in network for your insurance can help you avoid steep appointment charges or having to pay for visits out of pocket. Calling your insurance provider or checking on their website can help you determine the logistics of your coverage.

Map It Out

For many, it is important to consider the location of the health care provider in relation to your home or work. If you are not feeling well, you will most likely not want to have to travel very far. Also, a convenient location will hopefully make it easier to book and keep appointments. 

Trust Your GUt

Visiting or speaking with a potential healthcare provider is the best way to ensure they will meet your needs and make you feel comfortable. The patient and provider relationship should be built on trust, and it is important that you find someone you feel safe sharing your health requirements and goals with. 

Ready to move Forward?

If you are ready to begin the search for a new primary health care provider, we recommend filling out a patient inquiry form for NW Mind-Body Wellness as we are currently accepting new patients in our Bend office.

Services are also provided for mental health care in Wilsonville and Salem.

To learn more and/or fill out a patient inquiry form, click the following link to our contact page: https://nwmind-bodywellness.com/contact-us/

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Breast Cancer Awareness Month

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BREAST cANCER aWARENESS mONTH

Breast Cancer Awareness Month is recognized each October in hopes to bring attention to the disease. It can affect both men and women, however, it is much more common in women. It is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer for women. Global efforts to help prevent, recognize signs of the cancer, and better treatment have all increased the survival rates of breast cancer.

At NW Mind-Body Wellness, we are taking a stand against breast cancer. As part of our primary care services, we offer breast exams and the ordering of formal screening such as mammograms. In addition, we also provide support for individuals undergoing treatment for breast cancer. 

Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of breast cancer may include, but are not limited to:

  • A breast lump or thickening that feels different from the surrounding tissue
  • Any change in the size or shape of the breast
  • Pain in any area of the breast
  • Nipple discharge other than breast milk
  • Changes to the skin over the breast, such as dimpling
  • Peeling, scaling, crusting or flaking of the pigmented area of skin surrounding the nipple (areola) or breast skin

rISK fACTORS

The main risk factors for breast cancer are:

  • Being a woman
  • Age, most breast cancers are found in those over 50 years old
  • Having changes in your BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes

LOwering Your RIsk

  • Exercise regularly
  • Limit alcohol consumption
  • Maintain a healthy weight
  • Learn to do breast self-exams to help become aware of any changes

More information and RESOURCES

Return to home page: https://nwmind-bodywellness.com/

Read more articles: https://nwmind-bodywellness.com/articles/

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