So I did it.
Sunday morning I stepped onto a really adorable blue and red bus. I met a bunch of friendly RDs and phlebotomists and pharmacists. I walked through a line of (painless! free!) tests. And I took my health into my own two hands by taking a moment to check in with my body and make sure all my numbers (blood pressure, blood/glucose level, and body mass index) were all in tip top shape.
I also found out that my “health age” was a spry 18. And if that doesn’t make a mom of a two-year-old who sometimes eats skittles for breakfast and goes to bed at 8pm feel good, I don’t know what will. Cue, air jump.
This was a totally inspiring and invigorating experience. And I wouldn’t be telling you about it if it wasn’t. And here’s why: When surprised by any kind of health challenge, one of the first things we feel is a loss of control. Living with a chronic illness means everyday is different. Doctors appointments are random and constant. There are new drugs. New ticks and bumps and palpitations. New worries. New unknowns. New tests. A new normal, all the time.
But there are two things you can control. First: What you eat and put into your body (like beet Bloody marys, cauliflower rice salad, and chunky carrot dressing). And second: How well you know your body.
This second thing, this is what the Way to Well Tour is all about.
Whether you are a health nut or you are someone who hasn’t had a physical since “Let’s Get Physical” played on the radio, the Way to Well Tour welcomes you. It is meant to alert you to areas that you can improve. As well as areas where you are doing great (and that your body age is 18).
And while the bus only makes one-time stops at each location, they hope that this kind of “health-check-in” will become a continued habit. Because your body will change (and age). Your dietary and healthy needs may change as well. And as long as you keep up with your numbers, you can keep control of all those shifts, twists, and turns. Like a pro.
And if you needed extra incentives, the Way To Well Tour also has great Walgreens goodie bags, coupons, a chance to sign up for Walgreens Balance® Rewards* and receive points, RIGHT THERE, for all the (painless! free!) tests you take.
So while the tour bus has left the NorCal area, check out WaytoWellTour.com for upcoming stops near you. Make a date to hang out with your body and really listen to it and see how it is doing. Take a “healthy selfie” (with the hashtag #WaytoWellTour). Maybe even a picture of your air jump. And take the time to take your health into your hands.
Then go celebrate with a low-sodium beet Bloody mary, because you deserve it.
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* Restrictions apply. Limit 20 points per mile, 1000 points per month. Limit 20 points per daily weigh-in logged. Limit 20 points per blood glucose test, two logs per day. Limit 20 points per blood pressure test, one log per day. One-time award, 250 points each, when you pledge to quit and set a quit date online. Nicotine Replacement Therapy usage, limit 20 points per log, one log per day. Information provided to Walgreens online is covered by the terms of our Online Privacy and Security Policy and the terms and conditions of Balance Rewards. Personally identifiable information is not covered under HIPAA or the Walgreens Notice of Privacy Practices. For full program terms and conditions, visit com/HealthyChoices.
Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by the Walgreens Way to Well Health Tour. However, the opinions, genuine love of the store, and a passion for staying healthy are my own.
