Greensboro's African American Community Newspaper since 1967
Well, you made it. We are here in 2026, so what have you decided about your health? I hope you plan to be intentional about health this year.
Many studies have shown that taking the time to be intentional about your health makes a huge difference and can result in longevity. Intentionality will include things such as making sure that you get enough rest, that you eat properly and that you exercise.
Take the time to review your family’s health history. We know that genetic influences run in families. How you live your life determines whether those genes are expressed. If there is a strong family history of diabetes, then it means that you need to take time to make sure that your diet is low in sugar and under good control. Are you watching the carbohydrates? Are you watching how many sweets are eaten?
If you notice that your family members die of strokes, what is the cause of this? Is blood pressure a problem in your family? If so, start monitoring your blood pressure earlier in life and make sure that you keep it under control. Remember, the new guidelines address this, and one of the things that they say now is that your systolic pressure should be below 120 and your diastolic pressure should certainly be below 80.
Don’t be afraid of taking medication. I see so many people who don’t want to take medications. This leads to more problems because the problem they let just simmer for years becomes more severe. If your blood pressure is elevated and you watch your diet, begin exercising, get plenty of sleep, and the numbers still are not coming down, take the medication.
Be aware of the supplements that you are taking. Not all supplements are suitable for everyone. Know why you are taking these supplements. They do something in your body.
Make sure that you move your body. We were not meant to be sedentary; a little movement is better than none.
Also, remember how important sleep is, and get nine hours of good sleep each night. It is so important for physical and mental health.
Take care of your mental health. So many people neglect taking care of their mental health; they do not look at the anxiety and depression that they are having. These things can affect their overall health. There is no shame in seeing a therapist. You would be surprised at how much a good therapist can improve your life.
Also, be intentional: see your dentist for good oral health and see your ophthalmologist or eye doctor. As we think about being intentional, we should also consider the products we put on our skin. Make sure they are not full of unhealthy chemicals and other forever products that can harm you.
You also want to look at your clothing, especially items with stain- and weather-resistant qualities. They may have products on them that can harm you. Examine the beauty products you use to make sure they do not contain harmful chemicals.
Be intentional about your health, and let’s make 2026 the best year ever.
Dr. Veita Bland is a board-certified Greensboro physician and hypertension specialist. Dr. Bland’s radio show, “It’s a Matter of Your Health,” can be heard live on Wednesdays, 5:30 p.m. on N.C. A&T State University’s WNAA, 90.1 FM. Listeners may call in and ask questions. The show is replayed on Sirius 142 at 5 p.m. on Wed. Email Dr. Bland at ideas@blandclinicpa.com.
