Are You Thriving or Just Getting By? A Mid-Month Wellness Check for the Tri-Cities
August is National Wellness Month, and as routines begin to settle into a new rhythm, now is the ideal time to pause and ask: Am I thriving—or just surviving? At Empowered Health, our goal is to help people in Richland, Kennewick, Pasco, and beyond elevate their everyday health by tuning into the foundational elements of wellness: energy, focus, sleep, digestion, and mood.
This blog will help you evaluate your baseline, identify small but powerful shifts, and inspire you with research, tools, and tips from our own Empowered Health team.
Step 1: Take the Wellness Self-Check
Let’s start with a quick self-assessment. Rate yourself 1 (rarely/never) to 5 (consistently) on the following:
- I wake up feeling rested and ready to start the day.
- I have consistent energy through the afternoon without crashing.
- I can focus clearly for at least 90 minutes at a time.
- My digestion is regular and comfortable.
- My mood is steady and resilient.
Results Interpretation:
21–25: You’re in a thriving zone—let’s build on that!
16–20: You’re doing pretty well but might have blind spots worth exploring.
10–15: Time for a deeper dive—your body may be compensating.
<10: Don’t worry, we’ve seen this before. Let’s get curious, not critical.
Expert Insight: What “Normal” Often Misses
Quote from Dr. Monie:
“Many patients come to us saying their labs are ‘normal,’ yet they feel anything but. We go beyond the standard markers and look for optimal ranges—because that’s where wellness really begins.”
Example:
A TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) of 4.5 is technically in range, but we often see energy, mood, and metabolism improve when levels are closer to 1.0–2.0.
Medical Term Explained:
Functional Range: A narrower lab value window used to assess how the body functions at its best—not just to screen for disease.
Nutrition in Action: Empowered Lunchboxes
If you’re packing lunches for kids—or yourself—this month, you’re not alone. Our tip? Use the PFC formula: Protein + Fiber + Color.
Lunchbox Sample Menu:
- Turkey + hummus roll-ups
- Baby carrots & snap peas
- Berries or grapes
- Almonds or seed mix
- Dark chocolate square
Local Support: Find great grab-and-go lunchbox options at Yoke’s Fresh Market in Kennewick or Natural Grocers in Richland.
Staff Story: What’s in Our Gym Bags?
This month, our team shared what helps them stay consistent with movement.
Favorites:
- Moisturizer
- Electrolyte packs
- Headphone
-
Dr. Schneider’s tip:
“I keep electrolytes next to my desk. Use of these once per day helps my hydration and energy, making it easier to work out after a long work day.”
Tri-Cities Resources for Movement:
- Get Air Trampoline Park (Kennewick): A fun family option that actually burns serious calories.
- Columbia Point Marina Park (Richland): Great for intervals, walking, and yoga by the water.
- REACH Museum Trailhead (Pasco): Combines nature and history with light hiking.
Research Bite: The Power of Movement on Mood
A 2022 meta-analysis found that just 20 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise, 3 days a week, was as effective as low-dose antidepressants for many adults with mild to moderate depression.
Translation? Movement is medicine—and you don’t need hours to reap the benefits.
Functional Focus: The 5 Pillars We Evaluate
At Empowered Health, our clinical team looks beyond symptoms and targets five functional domains:
- Sleep Quality – Includes both duration and depth of rest.
- Energy Regulation – We explore insulin, cortisol, and nutrient cofactors like B12.
- Cognitive Focus – We assess inflammation, neurotransmitter balance, and screen for things like mold or toxin exposure.
- Digestive Function – Includes gut bacteria balance, nutrient absorption, and food sensitivities.
- Emotional Resilience – Often tied to hormones, inflammation, trauma history, and lifestyle rhythm.
Are You Ready to Thrive?
If you found yourself resonating with more than one of these areas, we’d love to help. We don’t just hand you a plan—we walk with you through it.
📞 Schedule an inquiry call with our clinic in Richland and let’s start building your next chapter.
Jessica Schneider, MD
Why Empowered Health.
Time between patient and physician is dictated increasingly by the health system and insurance reimbursement. At Empowered Health, we take a membership approach to primary care in Tri-Cities that challenges the standard healthcare model.
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