If we want to be ready for our big break it is important that we stay healthy. When we are healthy our skin glows, our eyes are bright, and we are full of energy. Being healthy gives us that wow factor that is sure to make heads turn. When we are considering how we can take care of our health it is important that we consider our physical, mental, and social well-being. It is worth it to know all the ways we can stay healthy here in LA.
What Is Health Anyway?
Health is “a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease.” Health may be improved through healthy behaviors, such as regular physical activity and getting enough sleep, as well as limiting or avoiding unhealthy behaviors such as smoking or excessive stress. Some health-related impacts are the result of our decisions, such as whether to participate in high-risk activities, while others are the result of structural issues, such as whether society is organized in a manner that makes it easier or harder for individuals to obtain healthcare services.
Improving Our Physical Well-Being
When we think of physical well-being, we might think in terms of eating right and getting enough exercise but before we start training for that marathon, we need to remember that a healthy way of life is relative. In other words, to know what comes next, we must first understand our existing health condition. Making an appointment with our primary care physician is the easiest method to get this critical information. At a physical we can discuss with our doctor the most effective way forward. They may advise us on medicine, diet, or an exercise program. Once we have this information, we should put our doctor’s advice into action to improve our health.
Improving Our Mental Well-Being
Improving our psychological well-being does not simply mean meditating more or practicing yoga. Sometimes an “OM” or sun salutation is not enough. Mental health is complex and starting a discussion about our mental health and sharing when we struggle may be one of the hardest steps. Here in LA the LACDMH helps us manage our psychological well-being. For example, the LACDMH helpline can be reached at (800) 854-7771. The helpline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and offers mental health resources, referrals, and support. We can also text 741741 to connect with a licensed crisis counselor and receive free crisis support via text messaging. In addition, if we require emergency assistance due to a mental health crisis, we should always dial 911.
If our mental health challenges have led us to turn to drugs or alcohol, we should consider a local treatment center. We might search out a women owned treatment center with detox that will help us take care of ourselves holistically. If our underlying mental health challenges are not addressed, we are unlikely to break free from substance abuse. We all need to remember just how common mental health struggles are here in LA and that whatever we are experiencing we are not alone.
Improving Our Social Well-Being
All too often when we think about health, we remember physical and mental health but forget social well-being. Here in LA we focus on social well-being by investing in socioeconomic determinants of health such as education, employment, income, neighborhood safety, and the built environment. Effective community well-being programs are based on what we and our neighbors desire for ourselves, our families, and the communities in which we live. It is critical to make sure that we bridge the gap in services to improve access to health.
This might look like making sure we are accessing health programs and helping those we care about access health programs. For example, if we are an adult, between the ages 19 to 64, without children we may qualify for no cost Medi-Cal benefits. In addition, Long-Term Care Services Medi-Cal covers hospital or nursing home care that lasts or is likely to last at least one calendar month following admission. If we live in a nursing home or require nursing home care, Medi-Cal may cover all or part of our care and services. No matter what stage of life we are at there are community programs that can help.
