New year, new approach.
New year, new approach, new routines. Hopefully that creates a feeling of positivity rather than dread! Be kind to yourself first and foremost with your intentions for this year. It has been a tough few years for many of us.
Now that we are four weeks in, let’s try to keep those New Year’s Resolutions alive and make some positive changes for 2023, taking charge of our lives, and our health, once more. It could be your fitness, diet, mindset or the health checks you’ve neglected for the last little while. There’s no better time than now to begin to get your house in order, and we’re here to help and cheer you on.
Fitness
Are you as feeling as fit and strong as you could be? If you’re seeking bit more activity in your life, there are no shortages of options to get moving - it’s just a matter of figuring out what works for you and what you enjoy and making it a habit. There is no need to force yourself to do things you really don’t enjoy.
Below are a few ideas to get you thinking.
· Many yoga and pilates studios have introductory packs to help get you started, just as gyms will often discount or waive joining fees in the first couple of months of the year.
· Check websites such as Sport Up for social adult sports – they currently offer netball, volleyball, football and basketball in Brisbane’s West (sportup.com.au).
· Add a couple of regular weekly walks with friends to your calendar, escape work for a lunchtime swim or pencil Parkrun in for Saturday mornings - the dog will love you for it (parkrun.com.au).
· The Brisbane City Council is running more and more free and low-cost events in parks across the city, from Zumba and HIIT to Tai Chi and Bollywood fitness. Check their website here for further information.
Food & Nutrition
If the Christmas craziness has meant that the divide between your ideal and actual diet has widened, now is your opportunity to get back on track.
The new year is a great time to assess your eating habits and ask yourself whether they nourish your body and mind. Menu planning and meal prepping are popular ways to tackle a family’s eating habits, and taking a closer look at the ingredients on packaging, to see what’s actually in these foods can be an eye-opener.
If you would like professional help in this area, Lifestyle Metabolic’s Dr Terri-Lynne South is a medical doctor and qualified dietitian who can assist in the management of metabolic health conditions, such as weight control, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and fatty liver while being conscious of the psychological factors involved in healthy eating. She can utilise a HAES approach to work with people in bodies of all sizes to feel healthier. Terri- Lynne consults at Neighbourhood Medical on Wednesday evening, Thursdays and alternate Saturday mornings
If you know or think you already have an eating disorder, it can be hard to take the initial steps to seek help, but the sooner you have a support network in place, the sooner you can take steps towards recovery. It is very normal to feel anxious about seeking care. Often controlling food intake and other behaviours associated with eating disorders provide a sense of comfort and control. Dr Mairaed Crawford has a special interest in the area of eating disorders and can support you to take the first steps.
Mental Wellbeing
We’ve all had a strange time of it over the last few years, some a tougher period than others, and it may be that you have concerns over anxiety, depression, stress, grief or eating disorders.
The doctors consulting at Neighbourhood Medical can provide support for all of these issues and have access to a vast network of trusted allied health professionals and specialists to further help. Please continue to look after your mental wellness and be alert to significant behavioural or mood changes in those close to you. Speak to your GP if you have any concerns and would like some additional support.
Health Checks
From breast screening to bone density, make sure you’re up to date with your regular checks. The GPs consulting at Neighbourhood Medical have a particular focus on women and children’s health, with GPs available with extra training and expertise in areas ranging from infant feeding and growth, childhood behaviour and developments concerns. sexual health, contraception and perimenopause. There are so many ways to be proactive and prevent problems occurring in the first place.
Dr Sarah has put together a guide to women’s health priorities for all age groups, detailing the health issues that should be on your radar. Have a look at at blog post here for more information.
Skin checks and general medical checks for all ages and genders are also available.
