Cheers to a Healthier 2021…
2020 was a difficult year for many reasons. Stress levels were elevated. Consuming the wrong foods and drinks. Not exercising. Skipping our doctor visits. All in all, just a year to forget.
Now that it is 2021, let’s start the year fresh.
Manage stress.
It’s near impossible to eliminate stress from our lives: From busy work schedules, to family obligations, to financial worries; sources of stress and anxiety are everywhere. There’s a strong connection between stress and illness: Stress promotes higher cortisol levels, which has been linked to weight gain. Also, stress can play a huge role in many digestive problems, particularly GERD and IBS. Research shows that anxiety, depression and stress provoke symptoms in up to 60 percent of people with IBS! Stress management tools such as deep breathing, relaxation and hypnosis can be extremely helpful.
Eat in moderation.
Keep balance, variety and moderation in your eating habits. Take your time and try not to eat too fast: Slowing down and eating more mindfully helps prevent overeating. You will feel full much sooner than if you will if you race through your meals. Remember, it takes your brain 20 minutes to realize that your stomach is full.
Exercise.
Getting physical activity will not only help shed pounds, but it can also help moderate stress and boost your mood, which in turn will help combat IBS and GERD. Wintertime activities include skating, sledding, skiing, walking in the mall or outdoors, dancing and working out in a gym or at an exercise class. Bundle up and take a walk around the neighborhood and you’ll burn 324 calories in an hour. Try to maintain a set schedule for exercise to help boost your metabolism, mood and energy.
Regular screenings.
If you are 50 years of age, it is time to get screened for colorectal cancer. Colonoscopies help detect colon cancer. No other colon cancer screening is as thorough and comprehensive to detect cancer and remove precancerous lesions as a colonoscopy. It is the most effective means of prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.
Don’t ignore your symptoms.
A change in bowel habits that lasts more than a few weeks; a feeling of having to have a bowel movement that does not go away; rectal bleeding; stomach discomfort; unexplained weakness or fatigue; and unexplained weight loss. These are symptoms that you should not ignore.
Hunterdon Gastroenterology Associates is here for your health needs. Our office and Endosurgery Center continue to remain open to service the members of our wonderful community with day, evening, and weekend hours. We are available for both virtual and in-person appointments, paying special attention to the safety of our patients.
We remain vigilant on staying updated with all state and federal guidelines.
Our safety measures include but are not limited to:
- High-level employee protocols including proper hand hygiene, face masks, eye protection, gloves, and appropriate employee monitoring
- Meticulous cleaning and sanitizing
- Social distancing measures
- Restricting visitors/companions from the office to reduce potential exposure to others. Only individuals accompanying patients who require assistance will be permitted to remain with the patient.
- Requiring face masks.
- Covid-19 testing for all patients scheduled for procedures in our Endosurgery Center.
Take back your life in 2021. Let’s make it a great year!
