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Health Tips
Being healthy requires more than just eating the right foods. Below is a partial list of things to do that will help you on your journey to good health
- Move More
Make it a daily challenge to find ways to move your body. Small possible daily challenges are: Climb stairs. Walk your dog; chase your kids; toss balls with friends, mow the lawn. Movement is good because it is a fitness tool as well as a stress. Not up to an hour at the gym? Take a 10 minute walk during the mid day and then build up the time you "move" each week.
- Reduce Fat
Avoid the obvious such as fried foods, (french fries, burgers). Dairy products such as cheese, cottage cheese, milk and cream also contain a lot of fat and should be eaten in low fat versions. Nuts and sandwich meats, mayonnaise, margarine, butter and sauces should be eaten in limited amounts.
- Quit Smoking
In 1960 the Surgeon General announced that smoking was harmful to your health and that fact has not changed. If you smoke, give up a cigarette day by day. Nobody said it was going to be easy.
- Follow a regular plan of exercise.
Exercise helps our bones, particularly our joint bones and the bones of the spinal column, rebuild and repair themselves as they should. Without exercise, bones become thin and porous.
- Reduce Stress
There are many ways to reduce stress. Soak in a hot tub. Think positive thoughts. Walk on the beach or in a park. Smell a flower. Read a great book. Avoid difficult people. Get plenty of sleep.
- Protect Yourself from Pollution
Avoid smoke-filled rooms, high traffic areas, breathing in highway fumes and exercising near busy thoroughfares. Exercise outside when the smog rating is low. Exercise indoors in air conditioning when air quality is good. Plant lots of shrubbery in your yard.
- Eat Fruits and Vegetables
Remember the phrase "an apple a day keeps the doctor away"? Its partially true. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables will aid in maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
- Wear Your Seat Belt
Studies show that seat belts add to longevity and help alleviate potential injuries in car crashes.
- Avoid Excessive Drinking
Studies show that a glass of wine or one drink a day (two for men) can help protect against heart disease, BUT more than that can cause other health problems such as liver and kidney disease and cancer.
- Keep a Positive Outlook
If you have a positive outlook on life, you have increased your chances of living well are.
- Wear comfortable shoes
Low-heeled shoes are more comfortable, safer and less damaging than high-heeled shoe.
Health Tips for Older People
- Avoid excessive heat.
Excessive heat can cause dehydration and heat stroke. During excessive heat, stay indoors in air conditioned settings, do not overexert yourself and drink plenty of liquids, unless restricted by your doctor, is advisable.
- Tell your doctor if your hands are always cold
It might be a sign of an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism). One of the main functions of the thyroid gland is to regulate body temperature. When the thyroid is not performing optimally, the body becomes tired and less tolerant of the cold.
- Improve the circulation of blood to the feet.
Wear comfortable shoes that fit well. Foot width may increase with age. Always have your feet measured before buying shoes. The upper part of the shoes should be made of a soft, flexible material to match the shape of your foot. Shoes made of leather can reduce the possibility of skin irritations. Soles should provide solid footing and not be slippery. Thick soles lessen pressure on hard surfaces. Low-heeled shoes are more comfortable, safer and less damaging than high-heeled shoes.
- Follow a regular plan of exercise.
Exercise helps our bones, particularly our joint bones and the bones of the spinal column, rebuild and repair themselves as they should. Without exercise, bones become thin and porous (osteoporosis).
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