all, why is it so difficult to stick to these resolutions? Explore these common questions
with Francoise Adan, MD, Medical Director of University Hospitals Connor Integrative
In the early years of her medical practice she recognized the limits of traditional medicine and
began embracing the benefits of providing healing with a more integrated approach. Follow these
tips from Dr. Adan to help you stay healthy throughout the New Year.
things you want to accomplish. "If you
focus on what really matters to you, and
stop spending energy in other areas," says
Dr. Adan, "you'll feel more fulfilled and in
control." Working from a list enables you
to be more organized. If you're feeling
overwhelmed, take a step back and breathe
to get yourself back on track.
than volunteering several hours for the
community center's annual fundraiser, offer
to pick up collected bags and drop them
off where they need to go. "These days, we
overload ourselves with full activities that no
longer fit into our busy lives," says Dr. Adan.
"If your mother visited every shut-in, you
feel obligated to do the same." When you
say "yes" to every event and all the demands
coming your way, you end up exhausted.
advance as well as keep healthy snacks on
hand or even in your car to make it easy
while you are on the go. Avoid attending an
event and mindlessly eating everything in
front of you. Dr. Adan says, "You often get
into trouble if you are doing other things
should focus on eating and try to make
healthy choices." Never go out hungry and
always drink plenty of water.
brisk walk or taking the stairs at work is all
you need to do. It can lower stress and give
you a mood boost. "In short, exercise helps
you feel young longer," explains Dr. Adan. "It
strengthens your heart, helps you manage
your cholesterol, blood pressure and weight,
elevates the mood and helps with anxiety."
Research indicates exercise also decreases
the incidence of depression. Celebrate your
success, no matter how small. Dr. Adan says,
"Recognize that not every day is going to be
a 30-minute exercise day, but whatever you
are able to do even if it is only five minutes
is better than nothing."
getting the right amount of rest and exercise
even more challenging. Extra stress can
lead to heart disease, high blood pressure,
diabetes, anxiety, depression and other
health problems. Take steps to tame stress.
"Pay attention to your body's stress signals,"
says Dr. Adan. "Stress warning signs include
tension in your neck, shoulders and back,
chest pain." Healthy stress busters include
meditation and mindfulness. Dr. Adan says,
"Take a moment to take a deep breath and
be present in the now. If you do not take care
of yourself, you will not be able to take care
of others."
traditional medicine and the healing it
provides, and a level of well-being you might
not yet have experienced. "Patients come to
us for many reasons," says Dr. Adan. "We offer
a variety of treatments from which they can
choose with our help, if necessary to find
the healing they need.
physicians throughout the community to
ensure that patients receive care they need
from both traditional and complementary
therapies. We offer a variety of services
including acupuncture, massage and
support for stress management and healthy
lifestyle changes.
UHConnorIntegrativeHealth.org or call
216.285.4070 to make an appointment.