Giving Yourself the Gift of Health
As the year draws to a close, many of us start thinking about what we can give to others. But this December, I want you to think about what it looks like to give something to yourself, something far more meaningful than a wrapped gift or a fleeting resolution.
That something is your health.
The True “Gift” of Health
Health isn’t simply the absence of illness. It’s the foundation for every other aspect of your life, how you show up for your family, how productive you are at work, and how much energy and joy you feel each day.
When you treat health as a gift rather than a goal, it changes the way you approach it. It becomes something you value, nurture, and protect, especially during the holidays, when stress, sugar, and sleepless nights can easily take over.
The Science of Self-Investment
Studies have shown that people who actively invest in their health, through preventive care, nutrition, exercise, and mindfulness, are less likely to experience chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cognitive decline.
For example:
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The Harvard Study of Adult Development, which has followed participants for over 80 years, found that maintaining physical health, strong relationships, and mental engagement directly predicts longevity and life satisfaction.
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The CDC reports that up to 80% of chronic conditions can be prevented through lifestyle changes.
That’s why Empowered Health’s philosophy is rooted in preventive medicine, helping you create systems of wellness before disease develops.
Medical Moment: The Role of GLP-1 in Weight & Metabolic Health
You may have heard about GLP-1, a natural hormone that helps regulate blood sugar, appetite, and energy balance. Medications that mimic this hormone (such as semaglutide) are now widely used in medical weight loss programs.
At Empowered Health, we combine GLP-1 therapy with nutrition guidance, movement planning, and mentorship. This combination ensures that your metabolism doesn’t just “lose weight”, it resets toward long-term balance.
(Terminology note: GLP-1 stands for “glucagon-like peptide-1,” a gut-derived hormone that improves insulin sensitivity and slows gastric emptying, both of which help regulate hunger and stabilize blood sugar.)
Quick Quiz: Are You Prioritizing Your Health This Season?
Take this short self-assessment to see how you’re doing:
| Question | Always | Sometimes | Rarely |
|---|---|---|---|
| I get 7–8 hours of sleep most nights. | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ |
| I exercise or move for at least 20 minutes daily. | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ |
| I eat balanced meals with lean protein, fiber, and healthy fats. | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ |
| I schedule annual checkups and lab screenings. | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ |
| I take time each week to reduce stress intentionally. | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ |
Interpretation:
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4–5 Always: You’re gifting yourself great health habits, keep going!
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2–3 Always: You’re on the right track. Focus on consistency this month.
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0–1 Always: Time for a reset. Start with one habit this week, perhaps better sleep or daily movement.
Local Spotlight: Healthy Living in the Tri-Cities
If you’re in Richland, Kennewick, or Pasco, you’re surrounded by opportunities to make wellness accessible and fun, even in winter:
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Badger Mountain Trail in Richland offers a quick 2-mile climb for beautiful views and cardio benefits.
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Grab fresh produce from Country Mercantile or Lampson’s Farmers Market to boost your nutrition.
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Need indoor movement? Gold’s Gym Kennewick offer great options for winter workouts.
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Try a mindfulness class at The Yoga Community in Richland or The Wellness Hub in Kennewick to keep stress in check.
The key is to find joy in movement and mindfulness, especially when daylight hours are short and to-do lists are long.
Research Bite
A 2024 study published in JAMA Network Open found that adults who engaged in at least 30 minutes of low-intensity physical activity daily, like walking, had a 23% lower risk of premature mortality compared to sedentary peers.
In other words: even small efforts matter.
Expert Quote
“Preventive medicine isn’t about perfection, it’s about progression. Small, consistent steps are what lead to transformation.”
— Dr. Jessica Schneider, Empowered Health Founder & CEO
Patient Story: The Power of a December Start
One of our patients, Melissa from Kennewick, shared:
“I used to wait for January every year. Last December, I decided to start early, just walking daily and adjusting my meals. By February, I’d already lost 10 pounds, and more importantly, I felt in control again.”
Starting now builds momentum, and success loves momentum.
You don’t need another resolution. You need a roadmap.
At Empowered Health, we specialize in helping you find balance through personalized medical evaluation, nutrition planning, and hormone support, including GLP-1 programs designed for sustainable weight loss.
Schedule an Inquiry Call to discover how you can give yourself the gift of health this December.
Empowered Health Institute
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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