#071 How Movement Can Help You Age Gracefully - An Interview With Dr. Andrea Perez

In This Episode

 

In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Andrea Perez, a board-certified family physician with 20 years of experience. We delve into how movement during midlife can help you age gracefully and the importance of being your own health advocate. Dr. Perez shares her insights on the power of mindset and energy in managing illnesses, and how our beliefs and attitudes can influence our physical health and well-being. 

 

• Getting to the root cause of a health issue is important and should be a collaborative effort between the patient and their doctor. Patients should be in tune with their own bodies and be willing to speak up when something doesn't feel right.
• Getting to the root cause of an illness or condition is not just the responsibility of the healthcare provider but also of the patient. It's important for the patient to be honest and open with their healthcare provider and work collaboratively with them to find the best solution.
• It's important to be cautious when using online resources like WebMD to diagnose health issues. While they can be helpful, they may also provide inaccurate or overwhelming information. Consulting with a trusted healthcare provider is the best way to get accurate and personalized healthcare advice.
• Patients can build confidence and be better prepared to ask the right questions by coming to their appointments with as much data as possible about their condition. This includes being aware of symptoms, triggers, and other relevant information that can help their healthcare provider diagnose and treat them more effectively.
• Journaling and documenting your symptoms can help doctors make a correct diagnosis and address underlying issues that may not be immediately apparent.
• Addressing your beliefs around illness and healing is important in the healing process, as negative beliefs can hinder progress. It's important to separate oneself from the condition and explore the root of negative beliefs to promote healing.
• Mindset plays a significant role in managing conditions, including chronic diseases like cancer. By removing ourselves from the condition and not intertwining our ego, personality, or self-worth into it, we can empower ourselves to create a better life and a better condition. 
• The energy we bring can either nourish or starve the disease. It's important to choose a path that empowers us to create a better life for ourselves and not let the disease define our story.
• The power of our mindset and thoughts can influence our physical health and well-being. While it's important to take necessary precautions to protect ourselves from illnesses, we can also use our mindset to change the story and feel better for a longer period of time.
• Our society has an inherent badge of honor for going non-stop, but it's important to incorporate stillness and rest into our lives to increase our parasympathetics and honor the cycles of our bodies.
• Regular movement, even in small amounts, is important for maintaining muscle mass, increasing range of motion, and keeping ligaments and tendons flexible. It doesn't have to be intense exercise like running a marathon, but can include meditative walking, or simply parking farther away and walking more. As we age, it's important to maintain muscle and joint strength to help with daily activities like getting up from a chair.
• Menopause and perimenopause can be a beautiful time for women, as it allows them to reflect on their strength and resilience, and to come into their own knowingness without the perceived pressure of youth and beauty. It is also a time to prioritize self-care and engage in activities such as meditation, stillness, rest, movement, and getting out in nature, which can be impactful for our overall health and wellbeing.
• Recognize the wisdom that can come from unexpected sources, such as our children. It's essential to listen to them and learn from them, as they can be our perfect teachers. 
• Take time to connect with ourselves, to light our inner flame and awaken our passions. We must trust that we are enough and bring our unique experiences and wisdom to the table to pursue our dreams and not put them aside for the sake of others or society's expectations. 

 

Learn More About Our Guest

 

Dr. Andrea Perez is a board-certified family physician with 20 years of experience. Her desire to serve diverse families with equitable and high-quality healthcare led her to open Health Development & Restorative Medicine, PC in the Bronx, NY. where she and her staff passionately attend to the community’s physical, emotional, and mental health needs. Dr. Andrea has extensive training in pediatrics, gynecology, and adult medicine. She holds advanced certifications in osteopathic manipulative therapy, preventive medicine, herbal medicine, nutrition, and mental health. Learn more about her work in the following channels:

https://www.thespiritualphysician.com/ 

https://www.facebook.com/thespiritualphysician 

https://www.instagram.com/thespiritualphysician/ 

Additional Resources

• Mastering Menopause Course
• Your Path to Health & Healing 

 

About Hello, Hot Flash

Hello, Hot Flash Podcast, where we discuss menopause, perimenopause, weight, sleep, stress, and all things impacting midlife women.  Expert interviews, life-impacting topics, and the latest tips on living your best mid-life! Find us on Apple, Spotify, and Podbean.

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