Page 82 - South Mississippi Living - June, 2026

ANAPPLEA DAY
story by Lynn Lofton
An apple a day keeps the doctor away is an old saying we’ve all heard. However, Coast healthcare professionals say it shouldn’t be taken literally but reflects an important truth about health: small, consistent choices can have a powerful impact over time.
“Rather than relying on a single food or quick fix, this saying represents the value of building simple, yet positive habits into everyday life,” says Jillian Kimbrell, certified nurse practitioner at Singing River Medical Clinic, Ocean Springs.
“Incorporating fresh fruits and vegetables into your diet is one of the easiest and most effective changes you can make. These foods are rich in essential vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants that support the immune system, improve digestion, and help reduce the risk of chronic disease such as heart disease and diabetes. Paring this with lean protein sources such as chicken, fish, beans, and/or legumes helps maintain muscle, stabilize energy levels, and keeps you feeling full longer.”
Equally important is regular physical activity. “This
does not have to mean intense workouts at the gym; even moderate, consistent movement can make a difference,”
she adds. “Establishing a routine of indoor exercise or daily walking supports cardiovascular health, strengthens muscle, improves mood, and helps manage weight. A simple walking routine, done regularly, can significantly enhance both physical and mental well-being.”
Memorial Health System Nurse Practitioner Tony Tanner says that eating healthy is foundational. “What we eat affects nearly every system in the body. A balanced diet helps regulate blood sugar, supports heart health, strengthens
the immune system, and even reduces inflammation. In many cases, food is either helping prevent disease... or contributing to it.”
Tanner encourages patients to start small. “You don’t need a complete lifestyle overhaul. Small, consistent changes can lead to meaningful results over time.”
That could be:
• Swapping sugary drinks for water
• Adding one serving of vegetables a day • Choosing grilled instead of fried foods
Kimbrell adds that diet and exercise are foundational
to long-term
health. “They
influence
nearly every
system in the
body and play
a key role in
preventing
illness rather
than just
treating it,”
she said. “The
idea behind
an apple a day
is really about
committing small,
manageable changes.
Over time, these habits
build a stronger, healthier body
and reduce the need for medical intervention, helping you live a more balanced and energized life.”
Tanner too believes maintaining a healthy weight is important “But I think it’s equally important to approach it the right way. Weight alone doesn’t tell the whole story, but excess weight, especially over time, increases the risk for conditions like hypertension, diabetes, joint issues, and heart disease. The goal shouldn’t be perfection; it should be progress. Even modest weight loss such as five to 10 percent of body weight, can significantly improve overall health markers.”
He wants to leave people with one takeaway. “Focus on consistency over perfection. Healthy eating isn’t about strict diets or cutting out everything you enjoy. It’s about making better choices more often. And those daily choices, over time, truly can make a big difference in your long-term health.”
82 | June 2026
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