Dr. Ellen Wilson on how to create a healthy life

How to create a healthy life

By Ellen E. Wilson, M.D., North Dallas LIVING WELL Magazine

While we all come with a genetic package, there are things you can do to help ensure a healthier life. Ellen Wilson, MD, of Dallas, observes that when women feel great, they are more confident and joyful. According to Dr. Wilson, there are five things women of almost every age can do to enhance their health and wellbeing.

Wilson advises women not to overlook the obvious. Don’t do those things that could potentially harm your health, like smoking, driving without a seatbelt, overeating, or abusing drugs or alcohol.

Second, remember the things your mother taught you, like starting the day with a healthy breakfast and getting enough sleep at night.

Third, regular physical activity will help you maintain a healthy weight and may help prevent diseases like diabetes and osteoporosis. Just 30 minutes of constant activity a day can help you look and feel better. Of course, you will want to consult with your physician before beginning any exercise program.

Fourth, build authentic relationships with people (and animals!). Positive interactions nourish our emotional, physical and mental health. Many believe those caring connections can also decrease awareness of pain, lower blood pressure, reduce stress levels, and even lessen the chances of acquiring chronic diseases.

Finally, Wilson encourages you to find a physician with whom you are comfortable and can establish an ongoing relationship. He or she can help ensure that preventive measures are in place to keep you healthy or provide needed advice and treatment when illness or injury occurs. It’s important that your concerns are heard, that your health goals are known and respected, and that you have a physician you trust on your healthcare team.

Wilson sees patients at The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, where she also teaches residents and fellows. She earned two Fellow Teaching awards, a medical student teaching award, and was named among the Best Doctors in Dallas four times. She appeared on the Texas Super Doctors list for seven years. She encourages women to contact their physicians with questions or concerns.

For more information, call 214-645-3858 or 214-645-3888.