How To Take Steps Toward a Healthier Life

When it comes to healthcare, many people think about treating symptoms as they arise, but true wellness goes far beyond that. With a personalized, patient-centered approach, Dr. Deanna Blanchard, Family Medicine Physician, helps patients better understand how everyday choices, like nutrition, movement, sleep, and stress, impact their overall well-being.

1. Why is preventive care so important, even for people who feel healthy?

Many of our chronic disease processes are silent in the beginning. Early detection and screening can lead to earlier, less invasive treatments and better health outcomes.

2. How do you help patients manage chronic conditions?

In treating chronic conditions, we first want to stabilize existing symptoms and disease processes. We review recent and current testing and medications, how we can achieve the best control of current conditions, whether they can be resolved, and how we can manage the condition to improve quality of life. We weigh treatment plans with patient preference and affordability. Additionally, I emphasize healthy lifestyle habits and strategies patients can use at home to manage their chronic conditions.

3. How do you support patients who may feel overwhelmed managing multiple health concerns?

When a patient feels overwhelmed with managing multiple conditions, we look at potential contributing factors, potential barriers, and social determinants of health. Is there a transportation issue? Is there an affordability issue? Are there underlying mental health conditions? Does the patient have a healthy support system? If these are contributing factors or barriers to health, we try to connect a patient with someone who can address the factors that may lead to an inability to follow up on health conditions and medical treatment plans. We also try to prioritize the most life-threatening illnesses and disease processes first. We have frequent follow-ups to address each challenge as it arises.

4. In what ways do sleep, stress, and social connections influence overall health?

Sleep, stress management, and social connections are three of the six pillars of lifestyle medicine. Often, what a patient can do at home to manage their lifestyle can have as much impact on their health and health outcomes as medication interventions. For example, evidence shows that eating a well- balanced, low-sodium (DASH) diet can decrease blood pressure as much as some first-line medications, especially in the earlier stages of hypertension.

5. Why is it important to focus on the root cause of a condition rather than just treating the symptoms?

Root cause is the highest-level factor that initiates a chain of events leading to a problem or medical condition. If a root cause can be identified, we can correct and prevent the problem from recurring. Up to 80-85% of chronic diseases in the U.S. are caused by unhealthy lifestyle choices. By making small sustainable lifestyle changes, we can significantly reduce our risk of chronic conditions, improve our health outcomes, and boost our quality of life.

6. Where should someone start if they want to live a healthier lifestyle but don’t know how?

Start with knowing where you are. How is your current health? Do you see a provider for health checks? Are you up to date on current recommendations for your age? Are you able to achieve what you need not just to survive, but thrive? If not, why not, and what can we do to get you there? Get your screening health checks. Not all health problems are predictable, but many chronic conditions are preventable. The earlier you start, the better your chances of preventing further disease progression and poor outcomes. Find a provider and partner in health. Schedule a wellness visit.

7. What are a few simple steps people can start today to improve their long-term health?

Patients can first know their risk factors. What are your current medical problems? What runs in your family? What are the most common risk factors for someone your age? Know your numbers. What are your current health measures, such as weight, blood pressure, and basic lab screenings? What are the ideal levels compared to where you are? Are you due for any preventative cancer screenings? What is your current nutrition plan? How much do you exercise? What are your medications, and why do you take them? Are you due for any follow-up medical care? Know your insurance plan. What benefits are included in my plan? Most insurance plans fully cover many preventative screenings. What medications are covered? What kind of deductibles do you have to meet? Does your current plan meet your specific needs? If I don’t have insurance, what local resources might be available in my community to help me? Be prepared for your medical visits. Ask for copies of your results and testing. Keep a list of your medications, doctors, phone numbers, results, etc. Do you have the tools and support system you need to manage your current health conditions?

8. How can patients become more active and engaged participants in their own care?

Patients can become more active and engaged in their own care by taking a proactive role. Lifestyle medicine provides evidence-based guidance on managing our health. The six pillars of Nutrition, Activity and exercise, adequate sleep, stress management, community involvement, and avoidance of risky substances are all things we can do at home and in our community to improve our health.

Whether you’re managing a chronic condition or simply looking to stay well, having a trusted primary care provider can make all the difference. Dr. Blanchard is committed to partnering with patients to help them feel their best.

Dr. Deanna Blanchard sees patients 18 and older at Terrebonne General Multispecialty Clinic in Gray, Louisiana. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Blanchard, call (985) 873-4729.