How Physical Therapy Can Help You Get Healthier

What It Even Means to “Be Healthy”

The World Health Organization defines health as “a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity,” which speaks to the complexities of health as a concept.

Good health also means different things to different people. For example, an 80-year-old on medication to manage high blood pressure and diabetes might consider herself healthy because she’s still physically active and can live independently. Meanwhile, a 20-year-old with no health conditions and excellent metabolic health might consider himself unhealthy because he struggles with exercise.

Living an entire life free of disease or illness is impossible for most of us. However, we can still strive to live as healthy as possible. Moving regularly, managing stress, and eating a nutritionally dense diet will help you feel your best, regardless of whether or not you meet the WHO’s (or anyone else’s) definition of “healthy.”

Simple Tips for Healthy Living from the Atlanta Human Performance Center Doctors of Physical Therapy

1. Get Enough Sleep: Getting a good night’s sleep is one of the most important things you can do for your overall health. A lack of deep REM sleep will have physical and psychological ramifications, affecting cardiovascular health, insulin levels, and cognitive abilities. Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep a night.
2. Move Your Body: Exercise is another health-promoting behavior that has a big impact. Regular exercise improves your metabolic health, elevates your mood, and helps you stay mobile even as you age. Aim for 150 minutes of moderately intense exercise (i.e., walking) each week–that works out to about 22 minutes daily!
3. Eat a Nutritious Diet: Although it may seem like certain foods cycle in and out of “health food” status, research has confirmed the ideal diet: one that’s varied, with plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean meats. One simple tip for eating healthier is to emphasize adding healthy foods to your meals rather than restricting less healthy choices.
4. Stay Hydrated: As part of that nutritious diet, ensure you drink plenty of water throughout the day. Hydration helps prevent injuries and may lessen your chances of developing chronic illnesses. Current recommendations vary but usually land at around 8 cups a day.
5. Meditate Daily: Taking five minutes each day to practice deep breathing and mindfulness can, like exercise, have a radiating effect on your physical and mental health.

Physical Therapy’s Role in Promoting Good Health

Our Doctors of Physical Therapy have several tools to help you live the healthiest life possible:

• We can help you manage or resolve injuries and/or painful conditions that keep you from being physically active.
• We can help you develop a fun, effective exercise program that suits your interests and abilities.
• We can identify areas of musculoskeletal weakness or impairment that might cause problems for you down the road — and give suggestions for managing that impairment now!
• We can show you relaxation techniques to manage stress.
• And much more! When you visit us, we’ll create a customized program that addresses your unique needs.