10 ESSENTIAL HEALTH TIPS (The Basics to Practice Every Day)
"He who has health has hope, and he who has hope has everything." -Arabian Proverb
1. MOVE MORE
Make it a daily challenge to find ways to move your body. Climb stairs if
given a choice between that and escalators or elevators. Walk your dog;
chase your kids; toss balls with friends, mow the lawn. Anything that
moves your limbs is not only a fitness tool, it's a stress buster. Think
'move' in small increments of time. It doesn't have to be an hour in the
gym or a 45-minute aerobic dance class or tai chi or kickboxing. But
that's great when you're up to it. Meanwhile, move more.
Thought for the day: Thinking about moving more.... Then do it!
2. CUT FAT
Avoid the obvious such as fried foods, burgers and other fatty meats (i.e.
pork, bacon, ham, salami, ribs and sausage). Dairy products such as cheese,
cottage cheese, milk and cream should be eaten in low fat versions.Nuts
and sandwich meats, mayonnaise, margarine, butter and sauces should be
eaten in limited amounts. Most are available in lower fat versions such as
substitute butter, fat free cheeses and mayonnaise.
Thought for the day: Lean, mean,fat-burning machine….
3. QUIT SMOKING
The jury is definitely in on this verdict. Ever since 1960 when the Surgeon
General announced that smoking was harmful to your health, Americans have
been reducing their use of tobacco products that kill. Just recently,
we've seen a surge in smoking in adolescents and teens. Could it be the
Hollywood influence? It seems the stars in every movie of late smoke
cigarettes. Beware. Warn your children of the false romance or 'tough guy'
stance of Hollywood smokers.
Thought for the day: Give up just one cigarette…. the next one.
4. REDUCE STRESS
Easier said than done, stress busters come in many forms. Some techniques
recommended by experts are to think positive thoughts. Spend 30 minutes a
day doing something you like. (i.e.,Soak in a hot tub; walk on the beach
or in a park; read a good book; visit a friend; play with your dog; listen
to soothing music; watch a funny movie. Get a massage, a facial or a
haircut. Meditate.Count to ten before losing your temper or getting
aggravated. Avoid difficult people when possible.
Thought for the day: When you feel anger take a moment to BREATH
5. PROTECT YOURSELF FROM POLLUTANTS
If you can't live in a smog-free environment, at least 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. It's a good pollution and dirt from the street
deterrent.
Thought for the day: 'Smoke gets in your eyes'…and your mouth, and your
nose and your lungs as do pollutants….hum the tune daily.
6. WEAR YOUR SEAT BELT
Statistics show that seat belts add to longevity and help alleviate
potential injuries in car crashes.
Thought for the day: Buckle down and buckle up.
7. FLOSS YOUR TEETH
Recent studies make a direct connection between longevity and teeth
flossing.
Nobody knows exactly why. Perhaps it's because people who floss tend to be
more health conscious than people who don't?
Thought for the day: Floss and be your body's boss.
8. AVOID EXCESSIVE DRINKING ( This one is for parents now and for students
when they get older)
While recent studies show a glass of wine or one drink a day (two for
men)can help protect against heart disease, more than that can cause
other health problems such as liver and kidney disease and cancer.
Thought for the day: A jug of wine should last a long time.
9. KEEP A POSITIVE MENTAL OUTLOOK
There's a definitive connection between living well and healthfully and
having a cheerful outlook on life.
Thought for the day: You can't be unhappy when you're smiling or singing.
10.DRINK MORE WATER AND CUT OUT THE SURGERY DRINKS
Many soft drinks have up to 10 teaspoons of sugar in one bottle or can.
Sugar in your diet will inhibit the breakdown of fat and cause you to store
more fat than your body needs.
Thought for the day:get your sugar fix with a piece of fruit.
