🌿 Tuesday Truths: One Body. One Life Course.

Starting Where You Are with Lifestyle Medicine and AGE-GILITY. One body. One life Course.

Have you ever noticed how easily we make time for everyone else, then squeeze our own health into whatever space is left? Between family responsibilities, appointments, travel, and everyday life, taking care of ourselves can become something we plan to do “when things settle down.”

Of course, life doesn’t always get the memo!

Recently, I joined the American College of Lifestyle Medicine. After nearly forty years in preventive health, I may be retired from clinical practice, but my curiosity certainly hasn’t retired. My interest in women’s preventive health continues to grow, as does my desire to help women live with greater energy, purpose, and vibrancy.

I’m not a physician. I’m a retired preventive health clinician, a Certified Health and Life Coach, and a Women’s Fitness Specialist. This membership provides me with another educational resource to support the work I do with AGE-GILITY.

• 🍎 Nutrition: Choosing a variety of nourishing foods, with an emphasis on minimally processed and plant-based options.
• 🚶 Physical activity: Making regular movement a part of life in ways that match our abilities.
• 😴 Restorative sleep: Creating time and conditions for restful sleep.
• 🌬️ Stress management: Developing healthy ways to respond to life’s demands.
• 🤝 Connectedness: Nurturing relationships, belonging, and a sense of purpose.
• 🚭 Avoiding risky substances: Addressing risks associated with tobacco, alcohol, and other harmful substances.

Therefore, I see a natural connection between these pillars and the mind, body, and spirit focus that guides my AGE-GILITY coaching.

During a recent webinar, one phrase especially stuck with me: “One Body. One Life Course.”

We carry this one body through every chapter of our lives. Our circumstances change, our responsibilities shift, and our needs evolve. Each phase deserves care that reflects where we are.

During adolescence, priorities include growth, health education, and appropriate screenings. During the reproductive years, priorities may include contraception, preconception care when pregnancy is desired, and preventive screenings.

For women experiencing pregnancy and the postpartum period, maternal care, monitoring, and support become essential. The menopause transition brings another set of changes, along with opportunities to address symptoms and focus on chronic disease prevention.

When we age, longevity, function, and healthy aging come into sharper focus. We want to maintain our strength, independence, and ability to participate in the activities that make life meaningful.

Our individual paths differ, but our need for care remains. What worked at twenty-five may need adjustment at fifty-five or seventy-five. And the body doesn’t always send a polite email to announce the changes!

🧭 This is where my GPS—Growth Purpose System—comes in. At each stage, we can pause to ask: What are my goals for growth now? What gives me purpose? What systems and support would help me care for myself in this season?

However, sometimes we need a new routine. Sometimes we need more support. Sometimes we need permission to change course. Recalculating is part of finding our way forward.

As I like to say, “AGE-GILITY has no one-way streets—U-turns are allowed!”

The idea of “Food is Medicine” fits naturally within this approach. What we eat can support our health alongside appropriate medical care. A meal featuring vegetables, beans, whole grains, fruit, nuts, or seeds offers practical ways to bring nourishing plant foods to the table.

We can start with something manageable: add vegetables to lunch, try beans in a favorite soup, or set aside time to prepare a meal we enjoy. Our choices can reflect our health needs, preferences, and resources.

That is the heart of Start Where You Are. Take an honest look at what you need today, then choose a step you can realistically take.

✈️ And remember your oxygen mask. On an airplane, we’re told to secure our own mask before helping others. Yet in everyday life, many of us keep reaching across the aisle while our own mask is dangling!

Caring for yourself helps you keep showing up for the people and experiences you love. Your well-being matters in its own right. Rest, nourishment, movement, and support deserve a place on your calendar.

What is one way you’ll put your oxygen mask on first this week? Perhaps it’s protecting your bedtime, taking a short walk, calling a friend, or scheduling an appointment you’ve been putting off.

Give yourself that care. Start where you are, set your GPS, and keep living with AGE-GILITY.

💚 One body. One life course. Today, one caring choice.

Learn more about the six pillars at the American College of Lifestyle Medicine.

Bye for now!