In embarking on this journey towards wellness, we have to ensure that our vessels, the “containers” which take us there are ready for the task.  Many of us take our bodies for granted.  We never have had to worry that it wouldn’t function: we can roll over, get out of bed, walk to the bathroom, eat breakfast, etc.  It might be now in our process of aging that we may not be able to roll out of bed without aches and creaks or the walk to get the morning paper may be a little wheezy.  We look in the mirror and wonder who is looking back?  The vessel has deteriorated somewhat and we wonder can we ever get her back?  

Our physical beings comprise of many aspects:  what we eat, how we move, how we rest, how we manage the stressors in our lives, how we convey all that to the world around us in the way we look and manage our homes.  Some things about our physical beings may be lost.  I will never be able to jump and fall like I did as a kid, but I can maximize my stretch movements.  Certainly I eat more nutritious foods now than when I was a child and I certainly exercise/move more.  I have a better understanding of the impact on my lifestyle decision on my physical being. 

My goal is to help you figure out what is the best way to get your vessel ready for this journey.  Contained here will be ideas, resources, suggestions regarding all things body. Pick and choose what works best for you.  Share your wins with us. 

Before starting any changes to your physical lifestyle, it is always best to check with your physician- get a good tune up. When was the last time you had a physical?  Or any of your age/gender appropriate preventive screenings?  Have you seen the dentist regularly or the eye doctor recently?  If it has been a long time I would encourage you to make a plan of setting up the appointments.   With the affordable health care act, all preventive screenings are 100% covered.  If you do not have doctors in any of these categories, find a provider through your health insurance company.  Many have the network providers and even ratings on the different ones, on their  websites. It is better to have established some type of relationship with your doctor before you have any medical problems.   Check out your company’s benefit policy or the health insurance company. Many have wellness programs that will financially reward you for seeing your doctor.

If you don’t have health insurance, see if your local health department has any free clinics for mammography, colonoscopy, GYN/OB services. There are some non-profit clinics that will perform medical treatment to those working individuals who fall between the cracks of receiving medicaid and  being able to afford health insurance.  The affordable care act has taken care of most individuals but some of you still might be out there. 

If you have a hard time remembering to schedule annual things, try working the doctors' appointments around your birthday. Good health is one gift that is priceless.