Empowering Yourself or a Loved one: Tips for Advocating for Your Health After a Difficult Diagnosis

Receiving a difficult diagnosis can be a life-changing event. It can feel like everything is out of your control and that you are at the mercy of doctors and healthcare professionals. However, it's important to remember that you have the power to take control of your health and become an advocate for yourself. Here are some tips on how to do just that.

Lead a Healthier Lifestyle

While there is no surefire way to prevent all chronic illness, leading a healthier lifestyle can help reduce your risk of developing certain chronic health issues. This inc

ludes things like quitting smoking, eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, and managing stress. By taking control of these aspects of your life, you can feel more empowered and in charge of your health. Plus, by making positive changes now, you may be able to improve your prognosis and overall quality of life.

Yoga is a holistic approach to well-being that offers a multitude of health benefits. Regular practice can enhance flexibility, strength, and balance, fostering physical health. The deep, mindful breathing involved in yoga can improve lung capacity and circulation, promoting cardiovascular health. Moreover, yoga poses and meditation techniques can alleviate stress, anxiety, and depression, fostering mental and emotional well-being. Additionally, research suggests that yoga can help manage chronic conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and insomnia. For guidance

in your home yoga practice, contact Tatiana Stollman today!

Find the Right Healthcare Professionals

Having the right healthcare team in place is crucial. This means finding doctors and specialists who are experienced in treating your specific issues. Don't be afraid to ask for referrals or recommendations from other patients or healthcare professionals. You want to find someone who not only has the necessary expertise but also makes you feel comfortable and supported throughout your treatment journey.

Understand Your Insurance Coverage

Medical treatment can be expensive, so it's important to understand what your insurance will cover before undergoing any procedures or treatments. This includes knowing what deductibles, co-pays, and out-of-pocket expe

nses you may be responsible for. If you're unsure about anything related to insurance coverage or billing, don't hesitate to ask questions. Your healthcare team should be able to provide guidance or connect you with a financial counselor who can help navigate these complex issues.

Ask Questions or Get a Second Opinion

It's natural to feel overwhelmed or intimidated when faced with a troubling diagnosis. However, it's important not to let those feelings prevent you from asking questions or seeking additional information. If something doesn't seem right or if you're unsure about a particular treatment plan or procedure, don't hesitate to speak up. You have the right to make informed decisions about your health care. Additionally, don't hesitate to seek out second opinions from other medical professionals if you're feeling unsure about anything related to your diagnosis or treatment plan.

Review Your Medical Bills for Erros

Medical billing errors are unfortunately common in our healthcare system. Even small mistakes can result in significant overcharges that could impact your finances down the line. Be sure to review all medical bills carefully and compare them against any

explanations of benefits (EOBs) provided by your insurance company. If you notice any discrepancies or errors, contact both the provider and insurer immediately so they can investigate and correct any mistakes.

Explore Long-Term Care Options

If you have been diagnosed with a condition that requires long-term care, it's essential to explore various options. Local nursing homes and facilities can provide a range of services tailored to meet your specific needs. These establishments typically offer 24-hour supervision, assistance with daily activities like bathing and dressing, medical care, and rehabilitation services. They also provide social activities for residents to keep them engaged and active. Choosing the right facility involves considering factors such as the quality of care, staff-to-resident ratio, cleanliness, food quality, and overall atmosphere.

Receiving a difficult diagnosis is never easy, but by taking steps towards becoming an advocate for yourself, such as leading a healthier lifestyle, finding the right healthcare professionals, understanding insurance coverage, asking questions and getting second opinions, reviewing bills for errors, and keeping files organized – you'll find yourself better equipped mentally and physically during this challenging time. Remember that everyone deserves high-quality care regardless of their background!

Smart Steps to Improve Your Health From Head to Toe

If you’re not sure how to get and stay healthy, you’re not alone. Many people fall into the trap of believing that overall health has to be a huge hurdle. The truth is that it’s not, and there are many small practices you can apply to your daily life that will put you in a better position to manage your health without getting overwhelmed.

Start by getting organized.

If you have any type of medical condition, getting yourself organized and having all of your documents together is crucial at helping you communicate with your healthcare providers. Scan your files and turn them into PDFs. In order to use a PDF file converter, you’ll have to download a program, but then you’ll be able to reformat PowerPoint, Excel, Word, and other types of files into an easy-to-share format that all of your providers will appreciate.

Prioritize your mental health.

The US Department of Health and Human Services has declared July National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month. Even if you aren’t currently suffering from overt mental health concerns, now is a great time to evaluate your mental well-being and how your daily actions might affect you. Consider joining a support group if you find that your self check-in reveals you’re not doing quite as well as you thought.

Keep your house clean.

There are many reasons that keeping a clean home is a boon to your health. Not only does a cleaner home reduce stress, it can also benefit your physical well-being. If you currently use harsh cleaners, such as ammonia and bleach, do your research, and ditch these in lieu of healthier and more effective alternatives, like peroxide, vinegar, baking soda, and essential oils.

Try yoga.

Yoga is good for the mind, body, and soul. You can drop in with Tatiana for morning beach yoga sessions to start your day off right. After your workout, make a point to enjoy and appreciate the beauty of the bay.

Experiment with new recipes.

We tend to revolve our days around food, and that’s only natural. But, one thing that many of us neglect is preparing ahead of time so that we have healthy options when hunger pangs come to call. Fill your refrigerator and pantry with whole foods, such as lean proteins and vegetables, and don’t be afraid to try healthy versions of your favorite treats. Wholesome Yum shares a tasty sugar-free avocado brownie recipe that even the kids will love.

Enjoy time with friends.

Grab the girls, and start planning a weekend getaway with your best pals. The Venue Report blog shares several awesome options that you might consider. Breaking your daily grind is an excellent way to reset your mental and physical health thermometers and help you avoid burnout at home and at work.

Exercise with the kids.

If you’re busy raising a family, exercise might not be a top priority. But it should be. Even if you can’t make it to the gym or to the beach for a morning yoga session, strive for at least 30 to 45 minutes of physical activity every day. Walk to the mall, wash the car together, or simply run through the sprinklers. These and other simple activities make it easy to have fun with your family while keeping your muscles active and your heart strong.

From keeping your medical records in order and appreciating the state of your mental health to keeping your house clean and skipping town with your best friends, the small steps you take every day can help you get to where you need to be for your health and well-being. You don’t have to completely overhaul everything you do, but do make smart choices that help you live up to your best potential.

Creating Lasting Habits for a Healthier You

Self-care is important for your mental, emotional and even physical well-being. However, people often find it difficult to prioritize self-care amidst their busy schedules, and they assume that self-care requires a lot of time and money. The truth is, there are several simple yet effective ways to work self-care into your life without sacrificing a lot of time or money. Here are some practical tips from Wellness with Tatiana that can help you incorporate self-care into your life.

Spend More Time in Nature

Spending some time in nature every day, whether by walking in the park or hiking in the mountains, can have a positive effect on your overall well-being. Time spent admiring the beauty of nature can help reduce stress levels, boost your mood, and energize you for the day ahead. Plus, spending time outdoors is completely free and requires little effort.

Get Fit!

Regular exercise is key to living a healthy and well-balanced lifestyle. Now’s time to adopt a fitness routine that includes cardio, strength training, and yoga. Reach out to Tatiana today for your next fitness training session!

Learn to Meditate

Headspace notes that meditation is a simple yet powerful technique that can help you manage stress, improve focus and restore inner peace. The beauty of meditation is that it can be done anywhere, from your office to your bedroom. Start with short sessions of just a few minutes a day and slowly build up to longer sessions.

Practice Gratitude

Taking a moment to appreciate the good things in your life can be a powerful way to boost your mood and improve your overall mental health. Gratitude is a simple concept, and it doesn't take a lot of time or effort to practice. Take a moment each day to write down three things you're grateful for in a gratitude journal, and you'll soon start to see positive changes in your outlook.

Unplug from Social Media

Constant notifications, comparisons, and negative news can take a toll on your mental health. Setting aside some time each day to unplug from social media can be a great way to recharge and reduce stress levels. Turn off your phone notifications, limit your scrolling time, and only follow accounts that inspire positivity and uplift your mood.

Manage Negative Emotions if You're Stressed at Work

If you're constantly stressed at work, chances are you're not taking good care of yourself. Learning how to manage negative emotions like anxiety, anger, and frustration is crucial for your well-being. Practice deep breathing, take short breaks to stretch or walk around, and seek support from coworkers or professionals if you need it.

Prioritize Better Sleep

Sleep is an essential part of self-care, and it's critical to prioritize it. The Sleep Foundation recommends establishing a bedtime routine that helps you wind down, relax, and prepare for a good night's sleep. Simple things like turning off electronic devices an hour before bedtime, drinking a cup of herbal tea, or taking a warm bath can help make your sleep more restful and rejuvenating. Quality bedding is also essential, so find affordable ways to update your bedroom for optimal sleep. There are plenty of appealing options when it comes to comfortable bed linens, including those made of soft cotton and even bamboo, available in a wide variety of striking designs.

Embrace a Healthier Diet

What you eat has a significant impact on your physical and mental health. Make small changes like incorporating more fruits and vegetables into your meals, avoiding processed foods, drinking more water, and reducing your caffeine intake. These simple changes can have a positive impact on your energy levels, mood, and overall health.

Establish Boundaries

Establishing boundaries at work and in your personal life is an important part of self-care. Learn to say no when you need to, prioritize your own needs, and make time for yourself every day. It's okay to take a break when you feel overwhelmed or stressed, and it's essential to be kind to yourself and permit yourself to say NO when necessary.

Self-care is critical for achieving a happier, healthier life. Incorporating these simple practices into your daily routine can help you prioritize self-care without sacrificing too much time or money. Start small, be consistent, and remember to be kind to yourself along the way.

Wellness with Tatiana is here to help you achieve your fitness, health and overall well-being goals. Connect with Tatiana today!