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. 

​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.

​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.

​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.

​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.

​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.

​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.

​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.

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.

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: [email protected] or you can call me directly on the phone at 409-739-6979.

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 

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. 

-Jeffrey Munn, LMFT
Author of Staying Sober Without God 

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

Drawn by O.C. age 13

Part 1 Green Chip: The Start

Part 2 Green Chip: The Start

Part 3 Green Chip: The Start