Looking Beyond Medicine: A Holistic Approach to Health
Managing our health often means taking medicine, going to appointments, and keeping up with routines. But as people in our community have shared, there’s more to staying healthy than just taking pills. While medicine helps manage symptoms, it’s only one piece of a larger picture. People like Gina show us that thinking about health as a whole—looking at our mental, physical, and emotional well-being—can make a big difference in how we feel and live each day.
Looking Beyond Medicine
Many people want to rely less on medicine over time. Shavon has a goal to get off her diabetes medication, “I don’t want to take all my meds anymore. I know if I eat right, I can do it.” By eating a balanced diet and exercising regularly, some people manage their health better and even reduce the need for certain medicines.
The Power of a Whole-Body Approach
A whole-body, or “holistic,” approach means looking at all parts of our health, not just what medication can do. Here are some ways people have found this helpful:
Mental Health Support
Shavon shared, “Sometimes it’s easier getting support from strangers because you don’t want to be judged.” Taking care of mental health and building social connections can help us feel balanced and supported. Talking openly about our challenges and joining support groups can give us motivation, make us feel less alone, and help reduce stress.
Healthy Lifestyle Choices
Gina and others have noticed changes by making simple lifestyle choices, like eating fresh foods instead of processed ones. These changes, along with regular exercise, can boost overall health and may even reduce the need for some medications.
Taking control of your health is about more than just medicine—it’s about finding balance in all parts of your life so you can feel your best every day. For a little extra motivation, watch this short video from Shavon. You’ve got this!