Wellness and Fitness
What can you do to ensure your best possible health? Here are a few tips as well as resources available from Northwest Health.
Have a primary care physician
Did you know U.S. adults who have a primary care provider have 19% lower odds of premature death than those who only see specialists for their care.* Another interesting fact: people who have a primary care provider save an average of 33% on healthcare* over people who only see specialists. Both of these statistics can likely be attributed to the fact that through routine check-ups, primary care can address potentially serious diseases early when they’re easier to treat and, in such cases as cancer, are easier to cure. Having a relationship with a primary care physician also helps keep people out of emergency rooms, where care generally costs significantly more than other outpatient care.
To find a primary care physician near where you live or work, just visit MyNorthwestAnyCare.com where you can even schedule an appointment online.
Have screenings that are recommended for you
Did you know that if everyone in the U.S. had the recommended clinical preventive care and screenings, more than 100,000 lives could be saved each year? That’s according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Health screenings – or preventive health care – can help you stay healthier throughout your life. And, for many people, certain preventive health care is now free, with no copays or deductibles. Learn about the preventive care that you and your loved ones need and ask your healthcare provider what health care you need to stay healthy by visiting this page of the CDC’s website. There’s even a cool tool that will tell you exactly what’s recommended for your age and gender!
Here’s more information on some of the screenings and education provided by Northwest Health:
- Cancer Screenings
- Diabetes – Northwest Health offers classes, supportive groups and nutritional training.
- Heart Health – Check out our Cardiac Health Risk Assessment to see if you are at increased risk for heart disease at NorthwestHealthHeart.com
- Vaccinations – Check with your primary care physician or one of our Urgent Care Centers. Find them all at MyNorthwestAnyCare.com
Be an educated consumer
Take advantage of the free programs and screenings offered by Northwest Health. Check out our calendar of events for upcoming programs. You can even search for the types of programs in which you have special interest. If you’re age 50 or better, join our Senior Circle program to take advantage of programs designed just for you.
Following us on Facebook is another great way to stay up-to-date on the latest information, classes and physicians. Here are our two Facebook pages:
Stay fit – physically and mentally
The Willow Creek Women’s Studio offers exercise programs and classes designed just for women. The Family Birth Place at Northwest Medical Center-Bentonville also offers great options for pregnant women, including Arkansas’ first Dancing Thru Pregnancy classes.
Finally, did you know that volunteering can benefit your health? Researchers have attempted to measure the benefits that volunteers receive including that positive feeling referred to as “helper’s high,” increased trust in others, and increased social interaction. From lowering stress to boosting self-confidence, research has shown that volunteering offers many health benefits, especially for older adults. Check out this article from Mayo Clinic Health System to learn more. Then, visit our Volunteer Services page or call us to learn more about volunteering at Northwest Health.
*These facts are from a report by the National Coalition on Healthcare.