National Public Health Week: How Are You Managing Your Pain?

National Public Health Week has arrived and I wanted to touch base and see how all of you are doing. During the first full week of April each year, communities across the United States are brought together to observe National Public Health Week as a time to acknowledge the influences of both public health in cities and rural areas, whilst spotlighting issues that are important to advancing the health of the nation. National campaigns are developed to educate the public, politicians, and health care practitioners about issues around the country. The goal is to raise awareness, promote prevention, and create an overall healthier nation.

Are you staying on top of your health and being proactive about educating yourself? This week is the perfect time to play catch-up and think about what you need to do to stay healthy. Here are a few ways you can do so:

1. Schedule an overdue doctor’s appointment
   I know some of us do not like doctor visits because it forces us to admit that we aren’t on top of our health. And, having a doctor point out the obvious does not help your self-esteem either. However, if you are managing chronic pain, staying on top of those doctor’s visits can mean preventing your current pain from worsening, or stopping future aches. Even if you’re feeling healthy, having your yearly check-up can mean having another great year pain-free.

2. 2. Re-evaluate your diet
      Spring cleaning doesn’t just have to mean tidying up the house. Spring cleaning is a fresh idea that can be applied to all aspects of your life, including the most important, your health! Keep track of what you are eating and see what areas you can improve. Could you fit in another vegetable during the day? Cut back on a few salty or sweet snacks? Check out a few of my past blogs and radio shows. Some of the healthy, anti-inflammatory foods you can include in your diet can actually help manage your pain as well. So take this week to really think about what you can clean up, add, and cut out of your diet.

3. Treat Yourself
   Have you been eyeing those arthritis gloves or awhile? Or that neck pillow that you always wanted, but didn’t feel you really needed? Now is the time to take the plunge and see if tools like these work for you. Take a look at my previous Christmas Wish-List and see if there is anything for you. Trying out new strategies to stay on top of your pain can be a good move for your body.

4. 4. What you do today can transform into a better tomorrow
      “April showers bring May flowers”. “When it rains, it pours”. You’ve heard these sayings, but have you ever stopped to think about how these could apply to you? Taking the initiative today to become your best, healthiest self can mean pain-free months and years to come. You may be haphazardly managing or even ignoring your pain, but starting to get on top of it now is a good choice for your body.

Make sure you are evaluating your entire lifestyle this week. Think about how can improve. Just make a few changes. What can you add to your routine to help ease your pain, and make the best choices for your health. Whether it’s substituting healthier foods,, being more active, or making that trip to the doctor, you can improve the quality of your health and feel better this week. National Public Health Week is the perfect time to join your community, gather educational tools, and develop new habits that can positively impact your body for years to come.