Welcome to Day 7
We have reached the seventh and final day of the Mediterranean Lifestyle Challenge! Congratulations on completing this challenge with me! You have assessed your lifestyle and perhaps on the way discovered your strengths and areas that you can improve in each of these habits.
Today I would like to focus on the “habit” of taking care of business with your health. By that I mean taking advantage of the advances in science in terms of healthcare and screenings. People years ago, lived long lives and they did not have the access to healthcare and health professionals that we do today, however they also lived in very different environments both physically and mentally.
Are you afraid of health screenings?
We all are, but screening is important at any age. Many people avoid these visits for a variety of reasons; they are worried/afraid/embarrassed, they don’t have time, they think they are healthy, it’s too much of a hassle and generally just want to avoid feeling uncomfortable. But the truth is, that screenings can save lives and are the best way to avoid a serious chronic disease.
Health screenings are a form of self-care. You want to make sure everything is fine with your body and if it isn’t, there are ways to treat and manage.
Are you up to date for health screenings?
Everyone should have a check-up every year. Screenings are a form of preventative medicine. Tests are not only when we have symptoms. Check the link below for guidelines on the screening tests you should have at any age.
https://www.tricitymed.org/2016/09/guide-health-screenings-age-infographic/
Challenge #7
Make the Appointment
Are you up to date? If not, tomorrow on Monday, pick up the phone and make an appointment with your healthcare provider for tests you are missing. And if you have never been screened or it has been a very long time, no worries, go ahead and make that appointment.
Make Those habits Stick All Year
I hope you have found this week long challenge useful. As I have been writing this, I have been taking this challenge with you and have made notes on areas I want to improve. We know what to do, and we have the tools to do it, the next step is finding strategies to help us make those changes permanent.
Here are 3 tips to help you with your new habits
Set specific and realistic goals: Vague statements such as I’ll eat healthier, I’ll start a new hobby etc. are not as strong as specific goals such as: “I’ll eat 2 servings of vegetables for lunch, “I’ll walk 10 minutes after breakfast, “I’ll call a friend once a week” etc.
Focus on one area at a time: Start with what you consider most important for your wellbeing. Is it you diet, social life, fitness? Pick one and then set your goals.
Find your inner motivation: It’s not enough to do something just because you read that it will make you happier, healthier etc. You must believe in what you are doing. Find motivators that are personal to you.
**One final post that you may find useful.
We have discussed about the longevity associated with a Mediterranean lifestyle during this challenge, but I feel very lucky and blessed to have witnessed this lifestyle in real-life. I jotted down everything I remembered from living with my grandparents, great uncles, and aunts in Greece who lived very long lives-many reaching 100. What did they eat? When did they sleep? How did they react to difficult situations?
Want More Mediterranean Diet Guidance? Get my top-rated book!
Get it here >> The Mediterranean Diet Cookbook for Beginners
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