Spring Into Better Health: Wellness Tips for a Fresh Start

Spring is a season of renewal, making it the perfect time to re-center and prioritize goals for improving your overall well-being. For many who live with a rare or chronic disease, this may seem like a daunting task. But small, intentional habits—like incorporating movement, getting adequate hydration, or creating a manageable daily routine—can make a big difference. As you focus on your health this season, Accessia Health is here to support you with patient programs and educational wellness tips to help ease the burden of medical costs, so you can focus on what matters most: feeling your best, one step at a time.

Getting Active Outdoors

Studies have shown that our minds and bodies relax in a natural setting. This increases feelings of pleasure and can help us concentrate and focus more effectively. If able, spending time outside is a great way to decompress. A few ideas include:

• Walking: Enjoy the warmer weather by walking in parks or nature trails to improve circulation, reduce inflammation, and release endorphins.
• Cycling: Use cycling to improve joint mobility and strengthen muscles. E-bikes can provide assistance for those with mobility issues.
• Yoga: Practice yoga outdoors, such as in a park, to combine physical movement with the calming effects of nature. Many yoga styles can be adapted for mobility limitations.
• On the hotter days of spring, swimming can become an excellent full-body workout. It engages almost every muscle group while improving cardiovascular health and lung capacity.

Health Benefits of Hydration

It may come as no surprise, but staying hydrated offers significant health benefits for all ages and lifestyles. Water intake, whether through drinking or eating foods with water components (watermelon, cucumber, berries, etc.), can be key to reducing the risk of future health complications.

Adequate hydration is associated with a lower risk of developing chronic conditions such as heart failure, diabetes, chronic lung disease, and dementia. A study by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) found that individuals with optimal hydration (serum sodium levels between 138-140 mEq/L) had the lowest risk of these diseases.

Staying hydrated may also help with:

• Slowing biological aging
• Urinary and digestive health
• Improved joint and muscle function

Crafting Spring Routine & Predictability

The saying “spring cleaning” can mean more than just tidying up your space. As the days get longer and warmer temperatures appear, switching up your winter routine into something new and relevant to your current health goals or treatment might aid with seasonal change.

Regular engagement in daily routines, such as structured physical activity or housework, enhances physical performance and reduces the risk of slow gait speed (SGS), a marker of declining health in older adults. Studies show that combining daily housework (DHW) with a regular daily routine (RDR) can significantly improve physical function, even for individuals aged 75 and older.

A few steps you can take to improve your routine today include:

• Regulating sleep schedules
• Meal planning
• Medication reminders or organization
• “Unplug and unwind” – build in moments to rest that are away from screens or distractions.

A New Start with Accessia Health

If you are ready to explore ways to ease the financial burden and medication access to you or a loved one this spring, the Accessia Health team is here to assist! We work to ensure that every individual has access to the care they need to lead a healthier life.

Our patient programs provide financial assistance that helps pay insurance premiums, medication copays, healthcare travel costs, and other eligible medical expenses.