DEEP BREATHING AIDES IN DIGESTION

Deep breathing is known for helping to manage stress but did you know it can help your digestion? Keeping stress down is a good way to have a more healthy gut. It has been observed that deep breathing before a meal may help your body to digest food. During these holidays, there is food all around us and we tend to taste on things that we don’t ordinarily eat; this can be somewhat of a shock to our system. Diaphragmatic Breathing, which is a slow, deep inhale by nose that expands your stomach, then a slow exhale by mouth, can help in de-stressing and digestion. As a breathing exercise, take around 6 – 8 seconds to inhale and another 6 – 8 to exhale. If you’re enjoying some of those holiday foods, TAKE SOME DEEP BREATHS ALONG THE WAY! (SMILE)

VERY WELL HEALTH. Manaker, L. (2021, November 19), How Does Deep Breathing Improve Your Digestion? https://www.verywellhealth.com/diaphragmatic-breathing-stress-digestion-5209648#:~:text=Deep%20breathing%20before%20a%20meal,can%20also%20help%20with%20digestion.

A Primary Care Physician

In the journey of your wellness, you will need a Primary Care Physician. The PCP is considered the gate-keeper to your health. When health concerns arise, you will very likely need the PCP to send referrals to specialists and place orders for tests. If you already have a PCP, please make regular visits to them and if you don't have one, please make it your business to get one.

Have a Great Day and Be Well!

Home-Based Services

I have had many conversations with people who aren’t aware that programs, services and activities are available to those with special needs. There are benefits that are available to those who are elderly, physically or mentally challenged or convalescing. Some benefits are included in a person’s insurance, Medicare and some through a state’s medical assistance program. The federal government added section 1915(c) to the Social Security Act to help and protect the beneficiaries of these services and has given each state an option of how they will provide services and assistance through Home and Community Based Services (HCBS). The programs for the most part, are set up as what are called Waivers. These services will give the beneficiaries a chance to thrive in their own communities rather than in institutions or isolated settings. Some of the covered services may include help with meals, personal care, adult day health, respite, outings, therapy services and more. You can find out more about how to get help by contacting your state or county government; most will be conducted through state departments of community health, medical assistance, family and children services, etc.

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (2023), Keeping America Healthy, Home and Community-Based Services 1915(c). https://www.medicaid.gov/medicaid/home-community-based-services/home-community-based-services-authorities/home-community-based-services-1915c/index.html