Hey Reader!
Can you believe it’s already the end of September?! 🍂 We’ve made it through Healthy Aging Month and Pain Awareness Month, and I’m excited to wrap it up with some feel-good tips that’ll help you manage pain, stay healthy, and even get your family moving with you!
Chronic pain can be frustrating, but there are simple, non-medicinal ways to manage it—and guess what? These strategies also help with chronic disease prevention. It’s all about using lifestyle medicine to care for your body in a holistic way.
Here’s a fun fact: The U.S. makes up 5% of the world’s population, yet we consume 80% of the world’s opioids! 😮 That’s a sign that so many people are managing pain in ways that aren’t always healthy. But what if we could approach pain differently?
At Black Star Physical Therapy and Wellness, I help women like you manage pain by focusing on the biopsychosocial aspect—physical, mental, and emotional. And the best part? You can do it with simple lifestyle changes. Here’s how:
6 Easy Ways to Manage Pain & Prevent Chronic Disease
1️⃣ Move Your Body
Regular exercise reduces inflammation and helps you manage pain. Even a daily walk can make a world of difference!
2️⃣ Eat to Heal
A plant-focused diet (think fruits, veggies, and whole grains) can help reduce inflammation and ease chronic pain. Try cutting back on red meat, dairy, and sugary treats—your body will thank you!
3️⃣ Breathe & De-Stress
Stress and pain are BFFs (but not the good kind). Meditation, yoga, or even a few deep breaths throughout the day can help calm your nervous system and lower pain levels.
4️⃣ Surround Yourself with Positivity
Spending time with uplifting, supportive people can do wonders for your health. Plus, they’ll keep you motivated to stick with those healthy habits!
5️⃣ Ditch the Risky Stuff
Reducing alcohol and tobacco can greatly improve your body’s ability to heal. Small changes can make a big impact over time!
6️⃣ Get Quality Sleep
Aim for 7+ hours of restful sleep each night. It’s when your body recharges and repairs, so make it a priority.
Make Fitness a Family Affair This Saturday!
September also wraps up with National Family Health and Fitness Day USA—the perfect time to get your family moving together! Here are a few fun ideas to bring everyone along on your fitness journey:
- 🥑 Add veggies to your breakfast together.
- 🛒 Take the kids grocery shopping to learn about healthy options.
- 🤸 Join a fitness group that encourages family activities.
- 🐶 Go for a walk, play frisbee, or run around with your dog. It’s all about movement and fun!
- 🍽️ Cook together as a family—start with one meal a week and build up to more!
Love these tips? Share this newsletter with a friend, and if you haven’t yet, subscribe to my weekly emails for more easy-to-follow advice! Also, if you’re participating in Family Health and Fitness Day, tag me in your family fun pics on Instagram or Facebook @blackstar_ptwellness using #FamilyHealthAndFitnessDayUSA. Let’s cheer each other on as we head into a healthy, active Fall season! 🌟
Here’s to feeling great and having fun while doing it!
Coach Tasha
Black Star Physical Therapy & Wellness LLC
P.S. Don't forget—healthy habits start with small steps! Which one will you try this week?
