Dr. Hector Oscar Molina, MD, Irving, Texas - 05 Tips for Staying Healthy at Any Age

We all know that a healthy lifestyle can prevent chronic diseases and long-term illnesses, and boost mental health. But with so much information available, and so many passing health fads, it can sometimes feel difficult to determine exactly which healthy habits are worth investing in if we want to live longer and healthier lives.

If you've been struggling to get into a new and healthy routine in 2023, you're not alone. When we feel stressed or overwhelmed, we often start to neglect our basic needs, whether that means sleeping less or eating more junk food than usual. If this sounds like you, it might be time to go back to basics, whether that is drinking more water or exercising more.

Drink more water When we’re born, almost 97 per cent of our body is made up of water. As adults, this figure falls slightly but still sits somewhere around 75 per cent. The vast majority of our brain cells are simply water, and even our teeth have 10 per cent water content. Every single cellular function in our body is in some way linked to our fluid levels: blood and cancer-fighting immune systems require water to flush out waste products away from cells and to transport nutrients and vital amino acids into them

Prioritise sleep Although there’s no simple answer as to what’s the ‘normal’ amount of sleep, most adults should aim for between seven and nine hours a night. It’s during sleep that your body restores, heals and strengthens itself both physically and mentally and a good sleep routine is important for good health.

Eat a balanced diet A balanced diet doesn’t need to be difficult or complicated – the general key is to eat the right number of calories for how active you are. If you eat or drink too much, you’ll put on weight. If you eat and drink too little, you'll lose weight. The average man needs around 2,500 calories a day and the average woman needs 2,000. Eat a wide range of foods to ensure you’re getting balanced nutrition.

Maintain a healthy weight If you need to lose weight, do it. The UK is fast becoming the most obese country in Europe, thanks to poor diets and lack of exercise. Eating a healthy, balanced diet plays a vital role in maintaining a healthy weight, which is an important part of overall good health. Being overweight or obese can lead to health conditions such as Type 2 diabetes, certain cancers, heart disease, and stroke.

Exercise more (and smarter) Physical activity can help you to maintain weight loss or be a healthy weight but being active doesn’t have to mean spending hours at the gym: try getting off the bus one stop early on the way home from work and walking, or taking the stairs at work rather than the elevator. Just find something active you enjoy doing – whether it’s cycling, running, dancing or gardening – and do more of it.

About the Author: Dr. Hector Oscar Molina, MD is a health care provider primarily located in Irving, Texas, United States. He has 27 years of experience. Dr. Molina graduated from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas. His specialties include Emergency Medicine, Family Medicine.

Dr. Hector Oscar Molina, MD, Irving, Texas — 7 Keys to Succeeding as a Physician in Private Practice

Making your living as a physician in private practice—that is, a practice wholly-owned by doctors rather than by a hospital, health system or other entity—can be rewarding and challenging. And there’s one thing such a practice setting assuredly is not.

Physician practice owners wear multiple hats—as clinical and management leaders, and as chief strategists—to ensure that the needs of patients and team members are met by increasing practice efficiencies, improving patient care and enhancing professional satisfaction. Physician burnout adds urgency to making the right choices for your practice, as the causes and remedies of physician burnout are strongly linked to workplace factors.

1> Take advantage of autonomy to make changes for the better 2> Know which mistakes to avoid when you’re starting out 3> Learn to overcome common private practice hassles 4> Find out how to grow your patient panel 5> Understand these essentials of getting paid in private practice 6> Your private practice is only as strong as the advice you get 7> Create the right culture for your private practice team

Anticipating pitfalls is a fundamental part of the clinical side of medicine and a physician just starting should apply that same thinking to establishing a private practice. Find out what it’s like from a doctor who has done it.

About The Author: Dr. Hector Oscar Molina, MD is a health care provider primarily located in Irving, Texas, United States. He has 27 years of experience. Dr. Molina graduated from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas. His specialties include Emergency Medicine, Family Medicine.

Dr. Hector Oscar Molina, MD, Irving, Texas - Top 10 Tips for Health and Wellness

Whether you are looking to avoid the flu, the common cold or COVID-19, one of the first steps to illness prevention is to ensure that you are generally healthy.

According to Dr. Hector Oscar Molina, good health and well-being can improve your immunity, extend your life, reduce your risk of chronic disease, boost your energy and mood, and enhance your overall quality of life.

Top 10 tips for overall health and wellness:

1> Eat healthy food, including larger portions of fruits and vegetables at every meal, and especially remember to eat produce at breakfast time. 2> Exercise regularly and spend time outdoors when possible. Adults should get 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week. 3> Get sufficient and good quality sleep. Adults should get seven to eight hours per 24-hour period. Avoid exposure to electronic devices (phones, tablets) at least two hours before bed. 4> Work with your primary care provider to determine when to schedule routine care, which may include annual skin checks, flu vaccine and other immunizations, and health screenings. 5> Take medications as prescribed by your doctor. If you are having difficulty following a particular treatment plan, talk to your doctor about your challenges. 6> Stay connected with friends and loved ones — write letters, connect virtually or in person, cook with your children or deepen the bond with your significant other. 7> Exercise your brain and cultivate meaningful experiences, such as virtual volunteering or learning new activities or hobbies at home. 8> Drink plenty of water, at least 8 cups a day. Avoid sweetened drinks. 9> Avoid risky substances such as tobacco and excessive alcohol. 10> Prioritize stress reduction by spending time in nature, practicing mindfulness and meditating.

About the Author: Dr. Hector Oscar Molina, MD is a health care provider primarily located in Irving, TX, United States. He has 27 years of experience. Dr. Molina graduated from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center Medical School in 1996. His specialties include Emergency Medicine, Family Medicine.

Dr. Hector Oscar Molina, MD, Irving, TX - Surprising Benefits of Family Medicine

Family medicine is a branch of primary care medicine. As its name suggests, it focuses on the welfare of the entire family, from newborn to geriatric. The provider’s practice is not limited to any particular organ or disease. Instead, it integrates health care for the entire patient, acting as an advocate for prevention, detection, diagnosis, and treatment of a wide range of conditions.

What services can family medicine practitioners provide? Our family medicine services focus on disease prevention, good health maintenance, diagnosis, and treatment. We are your point of entry into the healthcare system, and we help coordinate your care with medical specialists, should you need them. Some of the many services we offer include:

a> Newborn, infant, and child care b> Well-woman visits c> Annual physicals d> Blood pressure monitoring e> Lab and diagnostic studies, including EKGs and glucose and cholesterol checks f> Diabetic counseling g> Cancer screenings h> Prostate and breast exams i> Mental health evaluation j> Immunizations

What are the benefits of family medicine? Having a family doctor for you, and your family keeps you healthy and saves you money. Family medicine offers a number of additional benefits, here are a few:

Family doctors see you throughout your life cycle When your doctor sees you at every stage of your life, they not only get to know you as a person, but they get to know your entire medical history. That allows them to diagnose and treat you quickly. They can also lend an ear when you're going through a difficult or stressful period, or refer you to a therapist or social worker. The end result? Better health.

Family doctors make informed decisions Your family doctor knows about your medical needs, and your personal ones as well. Sometimes a simple personality clash will make you leave a doctor who otherwise could help diagnose and treat your problem. Your family doctor will recommend a specialist who compliments you.

About the Author: Dr. Hector Oscar Molina, MD, Irving, TX is a health care provider primarily located in Irving, TX, United States. He has 27 years of experience. Dr. Molina graduated from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center Medical School in 1996. His specialties include Emergency Medicine, Family Medicine.