13 Tips For a Healthy 2024 from Volunteers in Medicine Staff
Tip #1- “Stay hydrated! Look for ways to increase the amount of water you drink throughout the day. “
Dr. Rob Thomas, Outreach Manager
Tip #2- “Exercise! I recommend getting some sort of exercise for atleast 40 minutes 4 times a week. In addition look for ways to increase weight bearing exercises to improve bone density.”
Dr. Vicky Findley, Medical Director South San Marco Clinic
Tip #3- “Love your pet! There are health benefits to owning a pet such as reduced stress and improved happiness. Loving on your pet benefits you and your pet. “
Megan Baker, Communications and Grants Manager
Tip #4- “Limit your sugar intake! Often times we think of the sugar in candy and sweets but become aware of the amount of sugar in your foods such as bread, pasta, salad dressings, sauces, etc.” Elissa Donghit, RN- Clinical Manager
Tip #5- “Increase whole grains! Whole grains provide fiber, vitamins, minerals and other nutrients. You can find whole grain versions of rice, bread, cereal, flour and pasta at most grocery stores.”
Mary Nussbaum, Office Manager
Tip #6- “Practice gratitude! Keep a daily gratitude journal. Gratitude helps you feel more positive emotions, relish good experiences and improve your overall mood and health.”
Alexa Mejido, Director of Volunteers
Tip #7- “Meditate! Try to incorporate 5-20 minutes of meditation a day. Meditation is a practice that involves focusing or clearing your mind using a combination of mental and physical techniques.”
Maria Mastromatteo, Event Coordinator
Tip #8- “Get Outside! Try to spend at least 15 minutes each day outside. Being outside improves your immunity, reduces stress, sharpens focus, calms the mind, improves memory, improves vision, and increases longevity.”
Nina Smith, Clinical Director
Tip #9- “Get your annual screenings! Health is wealth! Take steps to reduce serious chronic conditions that can be treated early. Get your annual mammogram and colon cancer screening.” – Krista Cribbs, Medical Assistant
Tip #10- “Visit your primary care doctor annually. It is important that you see your primary care physician at least once a year. Primary care annual visits are imperative for the prevention of diseases and also help to catch early symptoms of serious conditions.”
Dr. Philip Gaillard, Medical Director of VIM West Jax
Tip #11- “Get Connected! Have coffee with a friend, go for a walk with a family member, join a bowling league, volunteer with others, etc. Social connection lowers anxiety and depression, helps regulate emotions, increases self- esteem and empathy and can improve our immune system.”
Jennifer Ryan, MPH, Chief Executive Officer
Tip #12- Keep track of what you eat. Write down or track what you consume each day with one of the many apps available (My Fitness Pal, BODi, etc). This will help you understand not only calorie intake but healthy food groups to ensure you have a good, balanced diet.
Suzanne Taylor, Chief Operating Officer
