Doctor’s Orders for 2022

The caring and dedicated Nurx medical team is here for a whole lot more than writing your prescription or ordering your tests. We asked our doctors, nurse practitioners and physician assistants to share their advice on how the Nurx community can live healthier in the year ahead, and they had a whole lot to say. If you’re making resolutions or setting intentions as you get ready to welcome 2022, listen to the wisdom of our medical experts.

Get Back to Basics

“Let’s make 2022 the year of getting back to healthy habits. Wise food choices, consistent exercise, and restful sleep were often unattainable goals the last 2 years. It’s time to make these priorities again.” — Nancy Shannon, MD, PhD

Stick with Covid Precautions

“Although we’ve made great strides, the pandemic isn’t over yet. Keeping yourself, your family, and your friends safe means combining strategies to reduce the spread of COVID. Vaccination, handwashing, mask wearing, social distancing, and choosing your activities wisely can all combine to reduce the chance of illness.” — Casandra Cashman, MD

Take Care of You

“The importance of self-care cannot be overemphasized. Particularly during the pandemic, I feel that many people (but especially parents) had to shelf their own needs. It is so important to make sure that you are addressing your own care as well – not just from a physical health perspective, but also from a mental health perspective. Self-care is not about pampering yourself or luxuries. It can be as simple as taking just a few moments each day to take a self-inventory of your needs.” — Lindsey Plato-Johnson, FNP-BC

Get Steps Outside

“Get outside and take a brisk walk for at least 20 minutes every day. Wear your mask, maintain social distance, but do go outside to move around and see the sunshine. The best way to boost your immunity is to exercise!” —Nimret Dev, DO

Live in the Present

“As we look to a new year, it can be so tempting to ruminate on the past and focus too intently on the future. Spending too much time looking back in the past can breed depression and focusing too much on the future can fuel anxiety. Grounding oneself in the present moment through mindfulness and meditation practices can help us to stay centered and content. Taking time each day to slow down, breathe deeply and be mindful of what we experience through our senses in still moments can help to reduce stress and promote relaxation. In truth, this present moment, the right now, is all we truly have.” — Adrienne C. Robertson, MD

Make Mental Health a Priority

“Our mental health is just as important as our physical health. Mental health disorders affect 21% of Americans. Taking care of you and making your mental health a priority is key. Simple things you can do are value yourself, know that you are amazing; and never forget that! Try to eat healthy, get to be physical for 20-30 minutes 5 times a week. Surround yourself with people who care and support you, learn to deal with stress. This is hard for all of us right now. However, it is imperative for our mental health. Try meditating, Tai Chi, journaling, and ask for help if you need it! This is hard for many of us. But it is not a sign of weakness, but of strength.” — Kristine Cooley, APRN

Catch Up on Prevention

“Many of us put off preventive care during the pandemic and haven’t seen our primary care provider in a while. If you’re due for a mammogram, pap smear, blood pressure screen, or check up, call your clinician’s office for an appointment. Wait times can be long, but getting an appointment on the books is the first step to getting things done. While you’re waiting for your appointment, gather any questions or concerns you may have for your provider. They want to be a partner in your care, and their goal is to provide you with the information you need to make choices that are right for you.” —Huong Tran, MD

Speak Up

“Don’t be afraid to be your own health advocate. Ask questions or raise concerns. No one knows your body better than you do, and your input is valuable to medical providers in helping us provide the best care possible for you. Also, it can’t be stressed enough—getting vaccinated is one of the best things you can do for your and your loved ones’ health right now.” —Kendra Broussard, WHNP- BC

Women, Meet PrEP

“It is clear from the data that there are many women that don’t know that PrEP is an option for them. PrEP works for women as a way to prevent HIV infection and take control of your health.” — Emily Rymland

Start Where You Are, Do What You Can

“One of the best ways to improve your mood is to get up and get moving! Exercise has been proven to release endorphins in your body that reduce stress. If you are beginning and can’t exercise as vigorously as you want, start with stretching and walking. You will be able to increase intensity levels over time. If you combine that with getting outside in nature, you will have an improvement in mood, concentration, attention, and lower stress levels!” — Neil Zlatniski, MD

Get Out There, Safely

“As someone who lives in a city rich in culture and energy, my advice for 2022 is to take advantage of the world around you, but to continue to do so safely as we must handle Covid as a collective. Go see a Broadway show, support the arts, tip your servers well, and be kind to those people doing the things that keep your city or town functional (the mailman, janitorial services, the bus driver). Continue to take steps to make your life happier, and therefore, healthier.” — Philip Carron, MD

This blog pro­vides infor­ma­tion about telemed­i­cine, health and related sub­jects. The blog content and any linked materials herein are not intended to be, and should not be con­strued as a substitute for, med­ical or healthcare advice, diagnosis or treatment. Any reader or per­son with a med­ical con­cern should con­sult with an appropriately-licensed physi­cian or other healthcare provider. This blog is provided purely for informational purposes. The views expressed herein are not sponsored by and do not represent the opinions of Nurx™.