For Dr. Hannah Haack, wellness isn’t just something she talks about in the exam room; it’s something she lives every day. As a physician, athlete, and mom, she understands firsthand how mental and physical health work together to shape our lives.
“I’ve learned that prevention isn’t about perfection,” Dr. Haack says. “It’s about consistency, about building small, steady habits that keep you grounded when life gets stressful.”
Dr. Haack practices family and obstetric medicine at Smith County Family Practice. Her patients range from expectant mothers to grandparents managing chronic conditions. Yet she sees a common thread in every age group: people under pressure, trying to stay strong in a fast-moving world. That’s one reason she’s partnering with the Smith County Drug and Alcohol Council to encourage honest conversations about stress, coping, and how to make healthier choices before problems start.
“In medicine, we talk a lot about symptoms,” she says. “But with substance use, we need to look deeper, to look at what’s driving someone’s pain or fatigue or sense of being overwhelmed. When we treat the whole person, not just the problem, prevention becomes possible.”
As a runner, Dr. Haack often draws parallels between training and life. “You don’t run a marathon on your first day out,” she smiles. “You start small–a walk, a jog, a mile–and you build strength over time. The same goes for mental health. Building resilience takes daily practice.”
She encourages families to keep routines simple and sustainable:
- Get enough rest.
- Stay hydrated.
- Move your body every day, even if it’s just a short walk.
- Eat real food.
- And perhaps most importantly, stay connected.
“When people feel isolated or exhausted, it’s easy to look for relief in the wrong places,” she says. “That’s why community matters. Honest connection with family, friends, or a trusted doctor can make all the difference.”
Dr. Haack also believes in creating an environment where asking for help is seen as a strength, not a failure. “I want my patients to know they’re never alone,” she says. “Whether it’s postpartum stress, anxiety, or temptation to cope in unhealthy ways, there’s always a way forward, and there’s always hope.”
Through collaboration with the Smith County Drug and Alcohol Council, Smith County Family Practice continues to promote whole-person health, physical, emotional, and spiritual. “Our goal,” Dr. Haack says, “isn’t just to treat illness. It’s to build a culture of wellness that helps people thrive.”
Because in the race for lifelong health, the most important step is the next one you take today.
If you or someone you love is feeling overwhelmed or hopeless this holiday season, help is always available. You can call or text 988 anytime to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline–a free, confidential resource offering support and hope, day or night.