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Written by Bella Reilly of Well Now Shop
Being proactive and taking charge of your own health is essential for a long and happy life. But how do you go about doing this? Many steps should be taken to become an advocate for yourself and your own health. Here are some tips.
Speak Up and Make Yourself Heard
The first step to advocating for your health is by speaking up, making sure you’re heard and asking questions if there’s something you don’t understand or agree with. This can be intimidating at times, but it is a must when it comes to taking control of your healthcare. As Reader’s Digest points out, you are the customer—it is the doctor’s job to be respectful and give you the best care possible based on your individual needs.
Utilize Technology
Technology has become such an integral part of our lives today, so why not take advantage of it when it comes to staying healthy? Keeping track of things like blood pressure, weight changes, diet information, sleep patterns and even stress levels can be done very easily through a variety of apps available online. Staying organized with all of this information allows you to better monitor any trends or changes in your overall health over time.
Document Everything
When dealing with a medical issue or illness, it is important to document each doctor's visit so that everyone can stay on the same page regarding your health concerns. Create a folder specifically for medical documentation so that if it’s needed during a future appointment, it can be easily accessed for reference. Always make sure that you keep a list of prescriptions and test results in this folder as well.
Live Healthier
By being proactive and making small changes to diet and exercise habits, individuals can prevent future health issues, decrease their healthcare costs, and positively impact their overall well-being. Start by avoiding sugary snacks and drinks. You can also make time for more movement by taking the stairs (instead of the elevator or escalator) whenever possible.
Improve Your Home's Health With Deep Cleaning and Air-
Purifying Plants
Creating a healthy living environment should also play an important role in managing one’s overall wellbeing. Start by deep cleaning around the house - headboards, bedding curtains and carpets should all be vacuumed regularly (at least once every couple weeks). And don’t forget about air-purifying plants! They help remove toxins from the air while providing some nice greenery and natural oxygen within your home which can help improve the quality of sleep significantly as well as reduce stress levels significantly as well.
Establish Connections With Healthcare Professionals
Having reliable connections with healthcare professionals who specialize in fields related to one's individual needs can prove vital, especially when specific advice or treatment is required regarding health issues. This is especially true with providers not covered under primary care. Researching local doctors and healthcare professionals who match one’s specific needs should be considered early on when developing an advocacy plan for one's own well-being.
Verify In Advance What Your Insurance Covers
It is always advisable to know what services are covered (and not covered) under one's insurance policy before seeing a physician or going ahead with any treatments recommended by them. Since there may be out-of-pocket costs associated with certain treatments or medications, make inquiries in advance so those expenses don't surprise you later down the road in the form of bills from your provider. Taking time before appointments or treatments will ensure we feel financially secure afterwards knowing all expenses have been accounted for ahead of time. We all deserve access to proper healthcare; being informed about our options along with being prepared ahead of time makes becoming an advocate for oneself much easier than expected. Speaking up and making ourselves heard along with utilizing technology are just two steps we can take towards ensuring optimal healthy living. Knowing what our insurance covers is another crucial area where preparation will pay dividends in allowing us peace of mind while feeling secure financially down the road after receiving treatments.
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Based on the lessons of Coach Amy Miller
Weight loss can be challenging. Some days it feels like we are on top of the world, and nothing is going to stop us. Other days it can feel like nothing is ever going to change or get better, and quitting seems like a good idea.
It is important to stay motivated during the journey, so that when the down times happen, and they will, we can get right back to achieving our weight loss goals.
Weight loss can be challenging. Some days it feels like we are on top of the world, and nothing is going to stop us. Other days it can feel like nothing is ever going to change or get better, and quitting seems like a good idea.
It is important to stay motivated during the journey, so that when the down times happen, and they will, we can get right back to achieving our weight loss goals.
Here are 3 tips to help you stay motivated.
1- Relate your weight loss to something important to you.
One of the things that helped me stay motivated to lose weight and keep it off were my children. Motherhood has brought me the greatest joy in my life. My kiddos are my biggest accomplishment. They give my life meaning and purpose and have made me a better person. The healthier I am, the more energy I have to be active with my kids and to be better involved in their lives. It’s human nature to lean towards the negative when things get challenging, but what I am learning is a conscious shift in my mindset can truly make all the difference. What you tell yourself matters. I tell myself to keep going because I love my kids and they need me.
2 – Make Yourself a Priority
You are worth it! Embrace your obstacles! I’m so thankful for my challenges, without them, I would not have discovered my strengths. I have learned to love myself for my strengths and weaknesses. My obstacles have molded me into the person I am today. Yes, you can learn to be grateful and have gratitude for the things that make your life hard. Without challenges, we don’t develop grit. Start before you are ready! Take that leap of faith and go for it! If you don’t make time for your wellness, you will be forced to make time for your illness. Making yourself a priority means you have to accept yourself and know your limits too. Some people have no problem with cheat days and occasionally indulging in certain foods. Other people are a little more sensitive and need to be extra disciplined. That is OK! It is OK for your journey and your needs to be different from others and as long as you make yourself a priority in your own life, you will be able to take the time you need to love yourself well!
3-Encourage Others on their health journey
Sometimes the best way to stay encouraged about your own progress is to be encouraging of others on their journey. That is certain true for me. I am passionate about helping others live a life they didn’t consider possible. I help people learn how to CREATE health in their lives. I help my clients reach their health, wellness & weight-loss goals. Being a part of a community that inspires one another to do better personally and reach all of our greatness and potential is part of what keeps me going. I worked hard to eradicate obesity, poor habits & poor choices and helping others do the same is part of what keeps me personally motivated. I love watching people go farther with their goals than they ever thought possible and it helps me stay focused on my own goals. It has been a joy to see not only my family get healthy, but so many others! And it has been the main reason I’ve been able to stay healthy for so long! Staying connected to a community is key!
These are some of my top reasons for staying motivated.
Give some thought to what some of your reasons are.
If you would like to talk to me directly about motivation, or you have other health related questions the best ways to reach me are through Email: Amiller3308@gmail.com or you can call me directly on the phone at 409-739-6979.
Give some thought to what some of your reasons are.
If you would like to talk to me directly about motivation, or you have other health related questions the best ways to reach me are through Email: Amiller3308@gmail.com or you can call me directly on the phone at 409-739-6979.
A message from Coach Amy Miller
Why do I love coaching others? Because it feels so good to help others unwrap this gift!
I knew that my own life was being transformed rapidly and I couldn’t keep it to myself! My friends were asking what I was doing, so it just made sense for me to be the one to help them.
As I try to reflect back on my life before starting my health journey, I remember feeling like I was just existing. Basically going to work and come home and hop on the coach. I was tired due to trouble sleeping, I had chest pains and body aches and I had no energy.
When I first hear this program that I thought would help me, I remember thinking, I know what I can do on my own, I don’t need that.
I was skeptical, but finally decided to check it out for a month.
After the first month I was sleeping through the night, noticed I was in a better mood and had more energy.
For the first time, I was very motivated to keep going! There is something about getting results that gets you motivated. I have lost 72 lbs! My life is completely different now. I look forward to things, I plan things, I have energy and I am no longer trapped in a body that tells me “No” anymore.
I am no longer just existing.
I’m here to live life to the fullest!
So grateful I found this program!
For more information please fill out my Health Assessment Form
I knew that my own life was being transformed rapidly and I couldn’t keep it to myself! My friends were asking what I was doing, so it just made sense for me to be the one to help them.
As I try to reflect back on my life before starting my health journey, I remember feeling like I was just existing. Basically going to work and come home and hop on the coach. I was tired due to trouble sleeping, I had chest pains and body aches and I had no energy.
When I first hear this program that I thought would help me, I remember thinking, I know what I can do on my own, I don’t need that.
I was skeptical, but finally decided to check it out for a month.
After the first month I was sleeping through the night, noticed I was in a better mood and had more energy.
For the first time, I was very motivated to keep going! There is something about getting results that gets you motivated. I have lost 72 lbs! My life is completely different now. I look forward to things, I plan things, I have energy and I am no longer trapped in a body that tells me “No” anymore.
I am no longer just existing.
I’m here to live life to the fullest!
So grateful I found this program!
For more information please fill out my Health Assessment Form
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Obese Recovery: Reason # 132 to Lose Weight: To Meet Youppi !
October 8, 2023. I did something today that has been on my bucket list since I was a kid, and was one of my reasons to get health and lose weight. I met Youppi the Mascot (Montreal Canadiens Hockey Team, formerly Montreal Expos Baseball Team).
I took my kid to a Sports Hobby Expo, and Youppi was there. At one point I approached Youppi and respectfully asked if we could take a photo together...Youppi being Youppi was playfully pretending not to understand I wanted a photo with him. So we eventually took the photo.
Then I told Youppi that I have been wanting to meet him for years and years and a bit of my story of how meeting him was one of the reasons I lost 200 lbs (showed him my before and after pic). Then Youppi did something unexpected.
Youppi signed a Youppi Baseball Card for me and gave it to me for free. I was really happy and surprised... those things sell for a lot of money. I hope to let my grandchildren inherit that card one day.
Another bucket list item ticked off.
One of my future goals is to sing the national anthem at a Hockey game with a Barbershop Group (my own that I will create one day, or one of the groups I sing with now). When I do, I hope to stand with Youppi again. One day at a time...that is what I am working towards.
I took my kid to a Sports Hobby Expo, and Youppi was there. At one point I approached Youppi and respectfully asked if we could take a photo together...Youppi being Youppi was playfully pretending not to understand I wanted a photo with him. So we eventually took the photo.
Then I told Youppi that I have been wanting to meet him for years and years and a bit of my story of how meeting him was one of the reasons I lost 200 lbs (showed him my before and after pic). Then Youppi did something unexpected.
Youppi signed a Youppi Baseball Card for me and gave it to me for free. I was really happy and surprised... those things sell for a lot of money. I hope to let my grandchildren inherit that card one day.
Another bucket list item ticked off.
One of my future goals is to sing the national anthem at a Hockey game with a Barbershop Group (my own that I will create one day, or one of the groups I sing with now). When I do, I hope to stand with Youppi again. One day at a time...that is what I am working towards.
What makes this so significant for me, is that I rarely went to baseball games as a kid and young adults. When I would attend, I would always want to meet Youppi, but unless he came up to me in the area I was sitting at, I would not be able too.
I was too unhealthy to go up and down stairs and walk to find him.
Eventually, The Montreal Expos Baseball team was no more and I thought my chances of ever meeting Youppi was over.
As an adult I would then see Youppi became the mascot of the Montreal Canadiens Hockey team. However, my health had gotten worse, so same thing would happen. If I happen to attend a hockey game (very rarely get the chance), I would have to hope to be lucky enough that he would come to me...it never happened.
I always wanted to meet him and get a photo with him.
It was one of the reasons on my list to get health.
Now I did it.
Thank you Youppi!
I hope to sing the anthem on the ice one day, with you standing with us.
I was too unhealthy to go up and down stairs and walk to find him.
Eventually, The Montreal Expos Baseball team was no more and I thought my chances of ever meeting Youppi was over.
As an adult I would then see Youppi became the mascot of the Montreal Canadiens Hockey team. However, my health had gotten worse, so same thing would happen. If I happen to attend a hockey game (very rarely get the chance), I would have to hope to be lucky enough that he would come to me...it never happened.
I always wanted to meet him and get a photo with him.
It was one of the reasons on my list to get health.
Now I did it.
Thank you Youppi!
I hope to sing the anthem on the ice one day, with you standing with us.
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Cindy Little, host of the podcast A Healhier You: Little By Little interviews Coach Frank about his 200+lbs weight loss journey. The original interview lasted for nearly 2 hours and 30 minutes. This interview cover Frank’s journey and included what started him out on this journey, his personal research into generational trauma, living with obesity, the challenges of recovery, Frank’s non-scale victories and advice on how to conquer obesity once and for all.
Cindy used the last 90 minutes of the full interview and broke them up into two 45 minute podcasts labelling them episodes 81 and 82. To listen to the podcasts, see the links below.
The first hour+ will be released by Coach Frank as a youtube video. The youtube video (see below) is the full interrupted interview from beginning to end, cycling through many before and after photos of Coach Frank.
Cindy used the last 90 minutes of the full interview and broke them up into two 45 minute podcasts labelling them episodes 81 and 82. To listen to the podcasts, see the links below.
The first hour+ will be released by Coach Frank as a youtube video. The youtube video (see below) is the full interrupted interview from beginning to end, cycling through many before and after photos of Coach Frank.
Click on this link in order to listen to A Healthier You – Little By Little Podcast Episode # 81: Conquer Obesity Once and For All
Click on this link in order to listen to A Healthier You – Little By Little Podcast Episode # 82: Conquer Obesity Once and For All
A Healthier You “Little by Little” Podcast
Cindy will cover a range of current health issues from stubborn weight loss, lack of energy, lack of sleep to motivation and accountability tips. To learn more about Cindy Little, please visit A Healthier You Little By Little Podcast
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It is sometimes referred to as a “two-fold disease”, being an “obsession of the mind coupled with an allergy of the body.”
Addiction is the experience of not being able to stop using a substance or engaging in a behaviour despite a genuine desire to stop.
Addiction is the combination of being in a state of emotional discomfort (often discomfort we are not consciously aware of) and having a previous experience with a powerfully soothing substance or behaviour. Our underlying discomfort increases as a result of this cycle, making us seek even more relief.
When it comes to a substance addiction (like sugar), we also can develop a physical dependence which complicate things further. (It) becomes so essential to our comfort that we can’t muster the willingness to stop without help. We are addicted.
Addiction is a spectrum. Some people have a much harder time controlling their addictive behaviours than others. Some need intensive treatment and some seem to be able to do it with minimal assistance. Do not compare yourself to others; compare yourself to yesterday’s version of yourself. If you have tried to stop or moderate a particular behaviour and cannot seem too despite your attempts to stop, that thing is addictive FOR YOU, regardless if others can stop or not.
Addiction is the experience of not being able to stop using a substance or engaging in a behaviour despite a genuine desire to stop.
Addiction is the combination of being in a state of emotional discomfort (often discomfort we are not consciously aware of) and having a previous experience with a powerfully soothing substance or behaviour. Our underlying discomfort increases as a result of this cycle, making us seek even more relief.
When it comes to a substance addiction (like sugar), we also can develop a physical dependence which complicate things further. (It) becomes so essential to our comfort that we can’t muster the willingness to stop without help. We are addicted.
Addiction is a spectrum. Some people have a much harder time controlling their addictive behaviours than others. Some need intensive treatment and some seem to be able to do it with minimal assistance. Do not compare yourself to others; compare yourself to yesterday’s version of yourself. If you have tried to stop or moderate a particular behaviour and cannot seem too despite your attempts to stop, that thing is addictive FOR YOU, regardless if others can stop or not.
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Recovery is the process of improving your thinking, changing your lifestyle, and trusting that you have the ability to live a rich, full life without engaging in life-crushing compulsive behaviors.
-Jeffrey Munn, LMFT
Author of Staying Sober Without God
Author of Staying Sober Without God
Recovery is the life-long process of improving your overall mental and emotional health so as to minimize the harm and suffering you inflict on yourself and others.
Recovery is not a singular event, or a finite process; it is a lifestyle.
Recovery is a fundamental change to be made to the way you look at and interact with the world and the people in it.
Recovery is a transformative experience that takes place slowly, making small incremental changes towards improving oneself.
Recovery is about interacting with healthier people, which is why meeting have a lot to offer.
Recovery is a willingness to try something new and make a small effort every day to engage in new habits and behaviours.
Recovery is moving out of a hopeless state of mind and body. Where a person no longer experiences certain kinds of suffering.
Recovery is the actions that need to be taken in order to achiever a state of stability and move towards optimal mental health.
Recovery is not a singular event, or a finite process; it is a lifestyle.
Recovery is a fundamental change to be made to the way you look at and interact with the world and the people in it.
Recovery is a transformative experience that takes place slowly, making small incremental changes towards improving oneself.
Recovery is about interacting with healthier people, which is why meeting have a lot to offer.
Recovery is a willingness to try something new and make a small effort every day to engage in new habits and behaviours.
Recovery is moving out of a hopeless state of mind and body. Where a person no longer experiences certain kinds of suffering.
Recovery is the actions that need to be taken in order to achiever a state of stability and move towards optimal mental health.
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One of the reasons I lost over 200 lbs and entered into Obese Recovery was to be healthy enough to climb this small wall. For people who are healthy, this would be an easy task. 3 years ago, I was struggling to walk. Today with the help of eating better, exercising, weight loss surgery, wearing necessary support gear, I am changing my life, one day at a time. This was accomplished in April 2023
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Drawn by O.C. age 13
Part 1 Green Chip: The Start
Part 2 Green Chip: The Start
Part 3 Green Chip: The Start
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Too Many Couples Never Talk About Money With One Another
Being in a long-term relationship means you share things with your partner. You may share the same house, use the same car, share an Amazon password, and so on. Much of your life together is joined, yet there’s one element that’s often left in the dark.
The topic of personal finances is a touchy subject for many couples. Even those in happy relationships may go silent when it’s time to talk about money. Fundamentally, the problem stems from the idea of joint finances. Every other aspect of your life is joined together, but many couples still have separate finances.
On the one hand, you can see how this makes sense. Both of you may earn a living, so you want to keep your income separate. However, the longer you’re with someone, the sillier it seems to keep things apart. Couples should focus on their finances together, rather than keeping everything separate. You may be worried about this idea, but there are some clear reasons why it makes a lot of sense.
In this guide, we’ll explore why couples should join their finances together and the benefits this can bring to you and your relationship.
The topic of personal finances is a touchy subject for many couples. Even those in happy relationships may go silent when it’s time to talk about money. Fundamentally, the problem stems from the idea of joint finances. Every other aspect of your life is joined together, but many couples still have separate finances.
On the one hand, you can see how this makes sense. Both of you may earn a living, so you want to keep your income separate. However, the longer you’re with someone, the sillier it seems to keep things apart. Couples should focus on their finances together, rather than keeping everything separate. You may be worried about this idea, but there are some clear reasons why it makes a lot of sense.
In this guide, we’ll explore why couples should join their finances together and the benefits this can bring to you and your relationship.
Encourages open conversations about money
Too many couples will never talk about money with one another. As mentioned before, it’s a touchy subject. Some people don’t want to talk about what they’re spending money on or how much they’re saving. When this happens, you can build invisible barriers between one another. There’s a lack of openness that may not cause problems right now, but it can later down the line.
Couples who pool their money together will have a more open relationship. When both of you share an account and put money in it, it’s only natural to have conversations about your finances.
This is really advantageous as it helps you both get on the same page. You can talk about your outgoings for the month and notice that you’re spending way too much in some areas. If you want to save money for a big purchase, you can look at your joint account and talk to one another about the best ways to budget going forward.
Money stops being this hidden thing that neither of you speaks about and starts becoming a normal topic. The improved communication and openness won’t just lead to better financial control, it’ll also lead to better relationships.
Prevents financial resentment
One of the main reasons couples break up is thanks to financial resentment. One partner resents the other because of certain financial decisions or money-related issues. Ironically, the most common occurrence is in heterosexual relationships when the female partner earns more money than the male one.
Here, the man starts to resent his partner because he feels slightly emasculated. While we could take a deep dive into fragile masculinity and how society has trained men to believe they need to be the “breadwinner” we’ll leave it at that for a moment! Financial resentment is more common when your finances are separate because you may feel like your partner is splashing the cash all the time. You or they become jealous, which puts a strain on your relationship.
When couples focus on their finances together, financial resentment doesn’t exist. You go from both having your own finances to sharing them together. Everyone is equal and you can both use the money as one. It completely removes the idea of resentment, giving your relationship one less thing to worry about.
Too many couples will never talk about money with one another. As mentioned before, it’s a touchy subject. Some people don’t want to talk about what they’re spending money on or how much they’re saving. When this happens, you can build invisible barriers between one another. There’s a lack of openness that may not cause problems right now, but it can later down the line.
Couples who pool their money together will have a more open relationship. When both of you share an account and put money in it, it’s only natural to have conversations about your finances.
This is really advantageous as it helps you both get on the same page. You can talk about your outgoings for the month and notice that you’re spending way too much in some areas. If you want to save money for a big purchase, you can look at your joint account and talk to one another about the best ways to budget going forward.
Money stops being this hidden thing that neither of you speaks about and starts becoming a normal topic. The improved communication and openness won’t just lead to better financial control, it’ll also lead to better relationships.
Prevents financial resentment
One of the main reasons couples break up is thanks to financial resentment. One partner resents the other because of certain financial decisions or money-related issues. Ironically, the most common occurrence is in heterosexual relationships when the female partner earns more money than the male one.
Here, the man starts to resent his partner because he feels slightly emasculated. While we could take a deep dive into fragile masculinity and how society has trained men to believe they need to be the “breadwinner” we’ll leave it at that for a moment! Financial resentment is more common when your finances are separate because you may feel like your partner is splashing the cash all the time. You or they become jealous, which puts a strain on your relationship.
When couples focus on their finances together, financial resentment doesn’t exist. You go from both having your own finances to sharing them together. Everyone is equal and you can both use the money as one. It completely removes the idea of resentment, giving your relationship one less thing to worry about.
Financial Resentment Can Cause Couples To Break Up
Stops bad financial decisions and the debt spiral
Bad financial decisions are easier to make when you’ve got your own stash of money. It’s in your account, so you feel less worried about doing something potentially dangerous. You have no issues maxing out your credit card because your partner doesn’t need to know about it.
Sadly, this leads to more bad decisions and you end up in a terrible debt spiral. You owe more money every month and it’s impossible to get out of. Debt is a terrible thing that can ruin your life and put a massive strain on your mental health. Many people have ended up in a depression rehab center as a direct result of bad financial decisions and debt. How does this change when you approach your finances together?
You’re both less likely to make bad financial decisions when you have joint ownership of an account. You may share a credit card, meaning you have to take more care when spending money. Instead of doing impulsive things, you talk to your partner first. Your partner also sees what you’re spending when you share your finances together, so they can talk to you about certain purchases or decisions.
In essence, the added responsibility makes you think twice about things. You no longer feel like you can do something because it only affects you. Instead, you start recognizing that other people are affected, so you cut down on the bad financial decisions. As a result, there will be less debt in your relationship and the pair of you can make smarter financial choices together.
Helps you achieve financial goals faster
Couples who share their finances and have joint accounts will achieve their goals a lot faster than others. It’s down to a combination of things, many of which we’ve already touched upon.
Having better and more open communication will lead to better financial decisions. As such, you can work on creating a better budget together and saving more money. This enables you to reach saving targets quicker - perhaps you can get a downpayment for a mortgage loan a lot faster than expected.
Moreover, combining your finances means you will have more money in your accounts. This will let you take advantage of interest rates to earn more money. If your money is separate, you will earn less interest as there’s less money in each account. Pooled together, you earn more money even at the same rate. The same goes for joint investments; instead of only being able to invest $5,000 in something, you can combine money with your partner to double that and see greater returns.
Your natural human reaction to money is that you should keep yours separate. You spent your life earning a living, so you’re worried about sharing that with someone else. For the good of your relationship - and your financial future - it makes a lot of sense to start focusing on finances together. Combine your wealth; you share everything else, so why should this be any different?
