The Mindful Path — Health and Wellness | April 3, 2025

True health is not just the absence of illness, but the presence of vitality. -Marilyn Halpern

April is National Minority Health Month, which highlights the importance of improving the health of racial and ethnic minority communities. The theme for National Minority Health Month 2025 is “Advancing Commitments to Eliminate Health Disparities.”

Health and wellness can be maintained, sustained and improved by focusing on healthy lifestyle choices. As services and programs are eliminated, it can lead to a sense of hopelessness. Yet there is so much that can make a true difference in our overall health and happiness. John Hopkins Medicine Clinic offers a great online resource: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention

Here are some other strategies for staying healthy:

An Ounce of Prevention

Take a few moments this week to schedule regular check-ups or an annual wellness visit. Your annual visit offers an opportunity to check routine blood labs and make sure you are up to date on your health screenings and vaccinations. Dental cleanings, podiatry care, vision checkups, and hearing screenings are all useful for maintaining your physical and mental health. “MyHealthFinder,” sponsored by the Department of Human Services, offers information through an online health tool. You do not need to provide personal information to receive screening test recommendations. MyHealthFinder Tool: https://odphp.health.gov/myhealthfinder

Habits Matter

A healthy lifestyle is the foundation of living a life of vitality. Focus on your fuel: a balanced, colorful diet with lots of fruits, vegetables and whole grains allows your body to thrive. Try to minimize processed foods and added sugar. Curious about your Body Mass Index? Calculate your BMI using this link: https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/educational/lose_wt/BMI/bmicalc.htm

Spring is the perfect time to go outside! If you can, try walking outdoors several times a week for 20 minutes. If that’s too much for you, you can do chair exercises or use a mobility aid – even a little movement goes a long way. Be sure to stay hydrated when you’re doing any physical activity. At the end of the day, don’t forget the importance of quality sleep. Try to establish a bedtime routine that works for you. Most adults need 7 – 9 hours of sleep each night.

Mental Wellness

Chronic stress can significantly impact your physical and mental well-being. Incorporate stress management techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, yoga, or mindfulness practices into your daily routine to maintain a healthy balance. Be attentive to your mental health and seek professional help if you're struggling with anxiety, depression, or other mental health concerns.

Spring is a wonderful time to rejuvenate our health and happiness. All the links in this article are available on the online version of Prime Time for Seniors. Take a moment to schedule a necessary medical appointment or try something new to increase your health and wellbeing. Enjoy this time of renewal!

(Logo: National Minority Health Month)