Carolyn’s Corner American Heart Month Did you know that the leading cause of death in the United States is heart disease? Cardiovascular disease has affected everyone, whether personally or through someone we know. I want to share some tips this month to help prevent heart disease. 1. Get your annual wellness exams  This is a great way to connect with a provider to discuss your personal and family history! Providers check cholesterol on this visit and can correlate your cholesterol levels with your personal risk. 2. Keep all recommended follow ups  Cholesterol medications only work if you take them and do not work like antibiotics (one and done treatment). Medications to lower cholesterol help prevent strokes and heart attacks. If you have problems with any prescribed medications, your provider can help or change to a medication that works better for you. We do not know you are having trouble with medications unless you tell us! 3. Mediterranean diet  This is not a fad diet. This is a pattern of eating that has proven to lower your risk of heart disease. Generally speaking, the Mediterranean diet is rich in fresh fruits and vegetables, nuts, beans, and whole grains, good fats that fight bad fats, and lean meats. With this diet, you limit the amount of bad fats (such as red and processed meat) and sugary or processed foods.  4. Exercise  The recommended amount of exercise for adults is at least 150 minutes per week. This equates to 30 minutes per day, 5 days per week. Exercise does not have to be a chore, if you pick an activity that you enjoy! Dancing and swimming are great forms of exercise!   These are just a few steps you can take towards a healthier and higher quality life. If you do not have a provider or do not know where to start, then come see me. I will be happy to help you!

Carolyn’s Corner New Year’s Resolution Happy New Year from Accura Health! The old year is behind us, and the new year means a fresh start! Many people take this time of year to as an opportunity to improve their lives in some way, whether it is starting a new healthy habit or stopping an old unhealthy habit through New Year’s Resolutions. Resolutions can involve physical changes (such as quitting smoking or starting exercise) or involve a change in mental or emotional conditions (smiling more, planning a vacation, or starting a new hobby). No matter the resolution, the idea is to improve your life in some way through a planned change. If you have not made a New Year’s Resolution or you do not particularly participate in this tradition, I challenge you to consider your overall health and wellness – physically and mentally. Common areas we can improve physical and mental wellbeing: Getting an annual wellness exam – If you have not completed an annual wellness exam within the last 12 months, then you can make this your goal for the new year and complete the task in one visit!  Weight loss – improves both physical and mental wellness. Medication can help break the cycle and motivate you to do more for your health! Struggling with anxiety and depression? You deserve to feel better and be happy! Quitting smoking or drinking – Giving up unhealthy vices will boost your health and your outlook on life!   Here at Accura Health, we can help you start your new year with a happier, healthier you! Contact us today, and we will help you make 2026 your year!

Carolyn’s Corner Are you feeling a little sad or experiencing the “winter blues?” The season of shorter days and less daylight can take a toll on the best of us. The winter blues can make us feel a little down, cause trouble sleeping, and make us feel more tired than usual. But with winter blues, we are still able take care of ourselves and our responsibilities and these symptoms typically last less than 2 weeks. However, if symptoms last longer than 2 weeks and lead to social withdrawal, oversleeping, weight gain, and craving sweets, the problem is more severe and may be related to Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD. How do you treat the winter blues? Do something you enjoy! Get outside and enjoy the sunlight, even if it is just a brisk walk on your lunchbreak or listening to the traffic go by. Be sure to spend time with family and friends – this is a busy time of year and sometimes we forget to slow down and enjoy the company of those closest to us. And as always, a healthy diet will help boost your energy. Lots of sugar can weigh you down – literally and figuratively – so avoid “feeding” into your fatigue. What if you have already tried these things and your symptoms are more severe? Come see me! We will talk about your symptoms and the right treatment plan for you. This may include a recommendation for light therapy, talking to a counselor, medication, supplements, or a combination therapy approach. Don’t let SAD ruin your holiday season. I am here to help you fight for your right to good mental health!