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Article Category: Highlights

Make Health Your Habit

Published on December 28, 2022

Last updated 09:25 AM December 28, 2022

Provider speaking with patient. Text reads "make health your habit"

With the holiday season now behind us, people look forward to the fresh start of the New Year and all the possibilities it brings. For many of us, that means setting resolutions to live a healthy, full life.

Without the proper planning and support, however, these ambitions can quickly be put off or even forgotten. This year, it’s time to break the cycle and make progress toward your goals.

By following tips from Wellstar health experts, you can create realistic resolutions and better your health — making healthy choices a lifelong habit rather than a short-term goal.

Partner with a Wellstar provider

When it comes to your wellness goals, staying healthy starts with a visit to your Wellstar primary care provider.

Wellstar Primary Care Physician Dr. Nitasha Burney-Fleming shared why regular appointments are vital for your well-being.

“Primary care providers partner with patients to help them meet their wellness goals — in a realistic, healthy way that is tailored to their individual needs and lifestyles,” Dr. Burney-Fleming said. “Your provider can help you keep up-to-date on screenings and vaccines so you can stay ahead of health issues and illnesses.”

To check your health status and screen for potential medical issues, your provider will take your Foundational 4 numbers for:

  • Blood pressure. A blood pressure test helps diagnose hypertension (high blood pressure), hypotension (low blood pressure), heart disease and other conditions.
  • Blood glucose level. The amount of glucose (sugar) in your blood can indicate the onset of diabetes or risk of heart disease, heart attack or stroke.
  • Blood cholesterol. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL), often called “bad” cholesterol, can indicate clogged arteries, which may lead to heart disease, heart attack or stroke.
  • Body mass index (BMI). A higher level of body fat may indicate an increased risk for heart disease, hypertension (high blood pressure) and diabetes.

The screenings your provider recommends will vary based on your gender, age and other factors such as family history. 

Personalized OB/GYN care for women

“Gynecologists partner with women in their healthcare across the lifespan,” said Dr. LeThenia “Joy” Baker, a Wellstar obstetrician and gynecologist. “The first gynecologic visit is recommended between 13 and 15, and the first exam between 18 and 21.”

Gynecologists are uniquely positioned to care for women from adolescence through menopause and beyond. “We’ll make sure you are up-to-date on screenings like mammograms and Pap smears, help you make informed decisions about family planning and fertility, and provide medical and surgical treatment for a variety of conditions affecting the female reproductive system,” Dr. Baker said.

Primary care, anywhere

In addition to in-person primary care visits, Wellstar also offers virtual care options. Connect with your Wellstar provider over the phone or with video on a computer, smartphone or tablet. 

“While primary care physicians help patients meet long-term wellness goals, we’re also here for you when you’re sick,” said Wellstar Primary Care Physician Dr. Georgia Forrest. “Your primary care provider is already familiar with your background and health needs, so we can seamlessly continue that care and help you get back on track when you’re ill.”

If you need to see a specialist such as a cardiologist, pulmonologist or neurologist, your primary care provider will refer you for that specialized care while continuing to help you manage your overall wellness.

“Through Wellstar’s patient portal MyChart, specialists and primary care physicians can see test results and visit summaries and stay updated on how each of us is working with the patient,” Dr. Forrest said.

For more immediate healthcare needs that are not life-threatening, you can talk to a provider with WellstarON, our virtual urgent care. 

In an emergency, such as if you are having trouble breathing or experiencing chest pain, call 911.

Learn more about the different types of care Wellstar offers and where to go if you’re not feeling well.

Become your healthiest you in the New Year

Whether your resolution is to lose weight, better manage a chronic condition or be more active, your healthcare provider is a great source of support. They will work with you to create a personalized plan to help you succeed

Ready to tackle your wellness goals this year? Book an appointment with a Wellstar primary care provider today.

Get moving to stay well

If you’re focused on improving your fitness routine, put a plan in place to be more active. According to Dr. Burney-Fleming, consistency is key to success.

“Do something that raises your heart rate 45 minutes a day, at least five to six days a week,” Dr. Burney-Fleming said. “Find an activity you enjoy, like dancing, biking or swimming, and gradually work it into your routine so it becomes a regular habit.”

For those looking to slim down, your healthcare provider can help jumpstart your health journey with a tailored diet and exercise plan. That way, healthy habits become second nature.

Set a sleep routine

Having a bedtime routine is essential to catch more Zzzs over the year. When you wake up feeling rested, you often feel more productive and energized throughout the day.

Get started by setting a specific time to go to sleep — and sticking to it. Make sure you reserve at least seven to nine hours per night for sleep.

Limit your screen time before getting in bed. Bright screens from a phone, computer or TV can keep your brain awake and make it harder to fall asleep.

If you’re having trouble getting to sleep, have a decaffeinated cup of tea or take a warm bath to help you relax.

Eat a balanced diet

When it comes to losing weight, many people look for a “quick fix,” which can often create unhealthy ways of eating. Creating a healthy eating plan from the start can help avoid any fad diet pitfalls.

Nutrition plans that restrict or eliminate food groups and those with extreme calorie deficits are difficult to maintain and can often produce more weight gain or undesired results. Diet trends can also create a negative relationship with food, which can make it harder to achieve your goals. 

A healthy nutrition plan is balanced and emphasizes whole foods, such as fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, low-fat dairy, nuts and seeds, and whole grains.

Try not to overcomplicate healthy eating. Focus on starting with small changes like filling half your plate with vegetables or having fun trying new recipes.

Take care of your mental health

Self-care is an important aspect of your mental well-being and should be made a consistent part of each day.

“Just like exercising and a healthy diet strengthen your physical health, self-care enhances your mental well-being,” said Dr. Pooja Dave, a Wellstar psychologist. 

Take time for activities you enjoy, whether that means visiting with friends or family or a hobby like reading or cooking.

If you feel overwhelmed by stress or anxiety, Wellstar’s behavioral health specialists are here for you.

“Mental health professionals are trained to provide compassionate, expert care. We’ll take the time to get to know you and will work with you to identify some tools to help you feel your best,” Dr. Dave said. “Our psychologists can also help you manage more complex conditions with evidence-based therapies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy. We can also get you connected with a provider who can help you with medications, if necessary.”

Need support? Connect with a Wellstar behavioral health specialist.

Tags

Georgia A Forrest LeThenia Joy Baker Pooja Niranjan Dave
Primary Care Behavioral Health Womens Health
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Wellstar Health System and Wellstar Foundation Recognized as the Only System in Georgia and One of 25 Nationwide to Receive a $2M Grant from The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)

With nearly one in five Georgians struggling with mental health challenges annually, treating mental health conditions and assessing suicide risk is a group effort between health professionals and state, local, and community partners. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), recognized Wellstar as the only system in Georgia and one of 25 nationwide to be awarded funding as part of a $2M Grant from the Biden-Harris Administration. The grant falls in the Cooperative Agreements to Implement Zero Suicide in Health Systems in the form of an intervention and prevention model for adults throughout our health system.

Wellstar launched a system-wide suicide prevention program in 2017 when the Behavioral Health Service Line adopted the national best-practice Zero Suicide Initiative (ZSI) framework developed by the Suicide Prevention Resource Center (SPRC) and the National Alliance for Suicide Prevention. During the earliest phases of implementation, Wellstar invited national experts from the SPRC to advise on best practices, hosted a series of focus groups with various Wellstar medical specialties and departments, conducted an organizational needs assessment, and convened a Zero Suicide Oversight Steering Council to oversee the development, implementation, and fidelity of the program.

"Behavioral health cannot own the problem alone independent of other members of the healthcare team. We have to consider a systemic approach – how we screen, assess, deliver care and address gaps throughout the entire healthcare continuum," explained Ryan Breshears, PhD, ABPP, chief of Wellstar's Behavioral Health service line and a board-certified clinical health psychologist.

Since the initial 2017 launch, Wellstar's Suicide Prevention Team has implemented an improved suicide screening process for all Wellstar emergency departments and medical floors. These experts have also routinized collaborative safety planning to ensure safety interventions are initiated at the onset of the patient encounter and throughout the duration of care.

“The support of our executive leadership to launch this program in 2017, ongoing system collaboration, and commitment from our suicide prevention team has helped to save lives. The infusion of the SAMHSA grant funding received, in partnership with our Wellstar Foundation, will further enhance our reach and impact to the individuals in this vulnerable population,” says Trisha Velasco, assistant vice president of the Behavioral Health service line.

Wellstar's receipt of the SAMHSA grant builds on the system's established infrastructure through the provision of additional educational resources to healthcare clinicians and the community. It also increases access to evidence-based treatments shown to reduce suicidal thoughts. Specifically, funding will enable follow-up care for high-risk adults who are struggling with suicidal thoughts and/or have experienced a recent suicide attempt. Through this grant, SAMHSA aims to aid the program in continuing to reduce suicide ideation, suicide attempts, and deaths due to suicide.

This grant's objectives align with Wellstar's goals of reducing suicide attempts and suicide death rates among Georgians ages 18 and older by growing the existing Wellstar Zero Suicide Initiative. Adding community-based and treatment-focused strategies, including suicide prevention training throughout the organization coupled with identification, treatment, and care transition, Wellstar will continue strengthening the community. At least 5,000 patients across six Wellstar hospitals and emergency departments will receive care, including to residents in Bartow, Cherokee, Cobb, Douglas, Forsyth, Fulton, Harris, Paulding, Polk, and Troup counties.

Suicide is a leading cause of death in the United States, affecting people of all ages. While mental health plays a role, there are many other factors that may lead someone to contemplate suicide, and there are some warning signs to pay close attention to because they may indicate that someone is at risk of suicide, which include:

  • Talking about wanting to die or kill themselves, or making comments like, "I wish I weren't here," or "Nothing matters."
  • Talking about feelings of hopelessness, being a burden to others, feeling trapped, or being in unbearable pain.
  • Exhibiting impulsive or reckless behaviors, acting more irritated or anxious than normal, and extreme mood swings.
  • A change in habits related to appearance, eating, drinking, or sleeping.
  • Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs.
  • Withdrawing or isolating themselves.
  • Signs of self-harm like cuts or scratches.

The research is clear that enhancing feelings of belonging and connection is a powerful method of reducing suicidal thoughts and behaviors. While suicide can be a difficult topic to talk about, speaking about it non-judgmentally can offer hope. In contrast, avoiding the discussion can contribute to feelings of isolation, further contributing to devastating outcomes.

If you suspect a loved one is at risk for suicide, talk with them. Here are some tips to help guide your conversation:

  • Be available.
  • Be non-judgmental and maintain curiosity.
  • Talk less.
  • Listen more.
  • Allow your loved one to express their feelings.
  • Validate that their feelings make sense.
  • Ask how you can be helpful. "
  • Offer hope that treatment alternatives are available without offering insincere reassurance.
  • Follow-up after the initial conversation.
  • Show interest and support.
Keep reading
Provider speaking with patient

Highlights

Wellstar Primary Care Providers: Partners in Your Care

Are you getting the most out of your healthcare experience? If you don’t have an established Wellstar primary care provider (PCP), you could be missing out on some major benefits.

Some people visit a different provider each time they need a check-up or just whenever they feel sick. Similarly, many patients use the walk-in convenience of urgent care as a substitute for primary care. However, in both of these cases, it can be difficult for you to build a lasting health partnership and leave your care feeling incomplete.

Having a designated Wellstar primary care provider—and specialty medicine providers within the same health system—gives you an entire team of health experts that are invested in you and your well-being.

Benefits of a primary care provider

The main role of a primary care provider is to keep you healthy at every age and stage of life. To keep you feeling your best, these experts are trained to:

  • Get to know and understand your unique health needs. Your PCP can keep you on track with your individual wellness goals, whether you are planning to start a family, need help managing a chronic illness or maintaining a healthy weight.
  • Coordinate care and provide referrals for specialists. Your PCP can quickly and seamlessly get you in touch with the robust network of medical experts, such as cardiologists, oncologists, neurologists and more at Wellstar.
  • Keep you up-to-date on immunizations and vaccinations. You can build up your body’s immunity to common diseases and protect your health with the latest vaccines, all ordered by your PCP.
  • Order appropriate health screenings, diagnostic tests and follow-up care. If your wellness check-up reveals certain risk factors, chronic conditions or new diagnoses, your PCP can help you get the right treatment fast.
  • Treat you for acute illnesses, such as colds or the flu. When you feel under the weather, your established PCP can often get you an appointment sooner so you can feel better.

Continuing care for every stage of life

As you get older, your healthcare needs will change. That’s why many people keep the same Wellstar primary care provider for years, even decades.

Your provider can help you stay ahead of health issues and deliver tailored care for your unique needs, as they change over time. These experts are your first defense against many preventable diseases and can catch major illnesses earlier, so you have the best possible outcome.

Ready to find the right Wellstar primary care provider for you? We make it easy to get expert, comprehensive primary care at many convenient locations across metro Atlanta and West Georgia. To find a location near you, simply click “Book Now” at the top of any page.

Keep reading
Illustration of a yellow present wrapped with a purple bow with a gift tag reading "To: Me, From: Me."

Highlights

Give Yourself the Gift of Health

Between cookie baking, busy shopping trips and being with family, the holiday season can pass by in a blur. Through all the hustle and bustle, Wellstar health experts warn it can be all too easy to put off your wellness.

“During this hectic time of year, health may be the last thing on your mind. However, the best present you can give yourself is prioritizing your well-being,” said Dr. Umme Nur, internal medicine physician with Wellstar.

“Seeing your provider now can help you stay on track this season,” Dr. Nur explained. “It can also help you jumpstart your health goals in January and already have a care plan tailored to your needs.”

Start healthy habits

It’s easy to let your normal routines slip during this time of year. However, you can take small steps to stay on track every day.

  • Eat right. It’s okay to indulge in holiday treats, but try to keep your main meals balanced with fruits and veggies.
  • Don’t forget about fitness. Create a routine and stick to your exercise goals, even if it’s just a 30-minute stroll.
  • Catch some Z’s. Maintain an adequate sleep regimen to help your body rest, feel refreshed and ready for the day.

Check in on your well-being

Remember, the perfect gift isn’t something wrapped with a bow—it’s putting your health first. That means partnering with a Wellstar primary care provider (PCP) and scheduling a wellness exam.

Your provider will help you take charge of your health and create a personalized plan just for you. Because your PCP is a pro at preventative care, they’ll help keep you ahead of potential medical problems.

After your annual check-up, you’ll know your stats for:

  • Blood pressure. Taken with a simple arm cuff, a blood pressure test helps diagnose hypertension (high blood pressure), hypotension (low blood pressure), heart disease and other conditions.
  • Blood glucose level. The amount of glucose (sugar) in your blood can indicate the onset of diabetes and an increased risk for heart disease, heart attack or stroke.
  • Blood cholesterol. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL), often called “bad” cholesterol, can indicate clogged arteries, which may lead to heart disease, heart attack or stroke.
  • Body mass index (BMI). The BMI estimates human body fat, which may indicate an increased risk for heart disease, hypertension (high blood pressure) and diabetes.

At your exam, be sure to bring up any health goals, such as weight loss or managing a chronic condition. Your provider will work with you to create a custom treatment plan for your unique needs.

Know your family history & take action

Depending on your gender, age and family history, your provider may also recommend other preventative tests to screen for diseases before they start, such as a mammogram or colonoscopy.

Your provider can also help you understand your potential health risks with:

  • Know Your Heart screenings. Preventative heart screenings help determine your risk of heart disease, stroke and other serious conditions.
  • Genetic risk assessment. Genetic testing is a tool to help people determine their hereditary risk of cancer and heart problems. This program also helps couples and expecting mothers with prenatal or preconception concerns.

Learn more about how having an established primary care provider can keep you well.

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