Distinctly Montana Magazine

D I ST I N C T LY M O N TA N A • W I N T E R 2 0 1 8 56 NONSTOP HEALTHCARE Emergency Services 24/7/365 Family Medicine Clinic Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Retail Pharmacy Monday-Friday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Weekends 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. 2 4 / 7 E M E R G E N C Y S E R V I C E S 334 Town Center Avenue, Big Sky BigSkyMedicalCenter.com 406-995-6995 | An advantage of our low population density is a saying about Montana: "It's like a small town with a long Main Street." Trans- lated, that means all the people working to improve public health can actually all fit in the same meeting room and often get to know one another well. is bodes positively for working together to solve common health challenges, although the current decrease in tax revenue is putting a strain on public health funding. While we all want to enjoy good health, many factors determine our ability to lead healthy lives. We like to take pride in our choices and home communities, yet those determinants of good health are often beyond our individual control. Neither the United States (37th) nor Canada (30th) rank in the top 25 of best health care systems in the world. Let's encourage everyone we know to work together to address the health care needs of Montanans and all Americans as we face the changes that come with age. Perhaps we have some advantage because Montana is a rarity in that our constitution (Article II, Section 3) states: "All persons are born free and have certain inalienable rights. ey include the right to a clean and healthful environment … In enjoying these rights, all persons recognize corresponding responsibilities." We are one of the few states with such a proclamation, and it has been used in efforts to protect public health. e natural amenities of outdoor activities in Montana are endless, and a large part of why many of us love to call Montana home. With so many things we already know about how to lead a healthy life, I like to keep it simple. e five things I recommend people do to enhance health are: 1. Physical exercise to keep the heart and body strong and maintain flexibility. 2. Mental stimulation to keep the brain active and functioning well. 3. Social interaction to keep life fun. 4. Maintain a healthy diet and healthy weight (a real challenge in our society). 5. Stay well rested by getting adequate sleep (which is when the body repairs itself before bigger problems begin). By doing these things, you'll be in the best position to meet any health challenges that may arise. Be well! We rank highly for the relatively lower number of diabetics in Montana (5), and rank 13 for cancer deaths. We are right in the middle of the pack for disparities in health status at 25 and worst in frequent physical distress (32) and premature death (29).

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