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Every year people around the world set New Year’s resolutions to make positive lifestyle changes: Lose 30 pounds. Stop eating sugar. Join the gym. Quit smoking. The list usually continues with attainable goals. Yet most people don’t accomplish their goals because of a lack of consistency, knowledge or support. Access Health Louisiana (AHL) can help you accomplish your goals for living a healthier life.
The beginning of a new decade is the perfect time to live your best life with the best healthcare team on your side. A healthier life can be challenging; however, with an easy and personalized care team on your side, success is possible. In fact, here are three comprehensive ways you can start improving your whole health at home and with your provider team at AHL.
First, get a game plan.
If you’re part of the Who Dat Nation, then you know any victory begins with a great team and a strong strategy. Your health requires the same. AHL care begins and ends with our Team Based Care model. Every AHL staff member, provider and even pharmacist, are on the same page for your care treatment plan.
Before starting any weight loss or lifestyle change, make an appointment with your primary care provider to identify areas of concern and set achievable steps to improve your overall health. At AHL, our network of more than 90 providers delivers healthcare in twelve parishes including: Orleans, Jefferson, St. Bernard, St. Tammany, St. Charles, Washington, Plaquemines, Tangipahoa, Iberville, St. James, Allen and Rapides.
Scheduling an appointment at any AHL site is convenient. If your goal is to lose weight or manage a chronic illness such as heart disease or diabetes, a licensed Health Coach can develop an easy and achievable plan for you.
Secondly, make different grocery choices.
In Louisiana, we are no strangers to tasty food. Between deeply seasoned dishes and well-crafted spirits, our eating plans are layered with unhealthy ingredients that can cause obesity and increased levels of cholesterol and sugar. You can get your health back on track by replacing a few ingredients.
Replace White Rice: If it’s difficult to remove white rice from your diet, try replacing white rice for brown rice, cauliflower rice or quinoa.
Say No to Soda: No matter what you call it, soda, Coke or cold drinks, it’s time to let them go. Cold drinks are loaded with unnecessary sugars and sodium that can easily add weight. Try replacing the sugary drinks with sparkling water for the same frizzy taste. Be careful with fruit juices. Even though fruit is part of a healthy diet, fruit juices are filled with sugar too.
Pass the Pasta: Grocery stores now offer pre-packaged vegetables in the shape and tenderness of pasta noodles. Veggie noodles like zucchini, carrots, and sweet potatoes can replace pasta in traditional dishes.
Add More Color to Your Plate: Louisiana is home to some of the best local farmer’s markets and gardens. Be sure to add different groups of foods made up of vibrant colors to your dinner plate. Across the region, we can find fresh vegetables and fruit at affordable prices. In some areas, fresh food can be purchased with SNAP EBT cards.
Finally, create healthier habits for a happier life.
One of the keys to a healthy lifestyle is repeatedly using good habits. At first, it may be a challenge; however, the benefits of consistency can greatly improve your overall health. The goal is to be consistent at something positive and beneficial to your health.
Healthy habits begin and end with you. Instead joining an expensive gym, try walking three times a day for 10 minutes each time. If you’re having anxiety or restless nights, try downloading our behavioral health app, mySTRENGTH. It’s free and offers customized guides for emotional wellbeing. Increasing your water in-take can aid in digestion and regulate blood pressure.
No matter where you are in south Louisiana, there is an AHL community health center ready to support you. At each location, we offer an array of services from primary care to behavioral health. A few of our community health centers offer specialized services such as dental, cardiology, nephrology, podiatry, diabetic treatment and more. Our full-service pharmacy offers free home delivery, 340B discounted drugs and affordable prices on expensive medications.
Access Health Louisiana is here for you and your family every step of the way. We’ve been helping the communities of across Louisiana improve their health with our award-winning quality care and affordable cost. We’re committed to leading you to a healthier decade in 2020!
