Wellness in my opinion, means an overall balance of your life. In other words, you have everything in your life centered, organized, and fit to accommodate the person you are everyday. Whether you're a hardworking college student, or a single, full-time mother; Whatever lifestyle you have, you have complete control over it and it brings you nothing but positivity.
2) How do you feel about healthcare in the U.S. and your role within the system?
Ever since the Obama Administration mandated that every American is required to have healthcare, I believe that it has opened many doors for a lot of people who could not afford health insurance or receive quality care beforehand. As a medical receptionist/call center specialist, I am elated about how many new patients I schedule, many of whom have ObamaCare. I feel it is my obligation to make patients aware of other resources that they do not know are available to them - either through their insurance or community agencies that are willing to offer a helping hand.
3) What health advice do you promote to your family?
I am a mother first and foremost. So, I try to always incorporate some type of physical activity in my children's daily life; whether it's dancing in the living room with my 7 year old or chasing my 22 month old son back and forth around the house. I also try to have small functions with my relatives so that they will be able to get out and move as well. For instance, my family and I have annual cookouts and block parties where all we do is play double dutch with the younger children or line dance. Either way, I try to make staying healthy, in the physical sense, something fun and not tedious.
4) Are there any lifestyle changes that have positively or negatively affected your health?
Like every full-time working mom, trying to find that medium in balancing life and staying healthy can be difficult at times. I was guilty of skipping breakfast and eating fast food a lot because it was more convenient. But, since working at RWWC and working with an all female staff, I realized that I was not the only one. The providers and my other co-workers, some of whom are mothers as well, helped me find that balance. Whether it was time management, meal preparations, or simple and quick workout tips. They understood my lifestyle and the lifestyle of our patients; which, for me, made things tremendously easier.
5) What activities do you participate in? What do you do to help you feel healthy?
I try to be as active as possible wherever I am. If I can take the stairs instead of an elevator, I will. If I can walk a few blocks instead of catching the bus, I do. I also try to open myself up to trying new foods. I've come to learn that all healthy food isn't terrible. Working at RWWC definitely helped me change my mindset about that.
6) What advice do you have for patients seeking to optimize their health?
My advice would be to simply be open-minded about healthy living. Being healthy does not mean that you have to stop enjoying the things you eat or spend countless hours at the gym. There are alternatives. Also, reach out to people that either you can help or that can help you to achieve healthy living. It is not impossible - and better yet, it's not something that is unattainable. It's just something you have to be willing to do for yourself no matter what path you choose to take.
