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.
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…. Then be one!
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 seeing red, think pink clouds….then float on
them.
5. Protect Yourself from Pollution
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. Take Proper Sleep
WMost of us work 12 to 16 hours a day (even at home). The
rapidly growing economic frestration has also effected the
common man and his peace of mind. For the sake of relaxation one
needs to sleep 6 to 8 hours a day.Proper sleeep has a very
positive impact on our health and efficiency .
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. Choose Your Parents Well
The link between genetics and health is a powerful one. But just
because one or both of your parents died young in ill health
doesn't mean you cannot counteract the genetic pool handed you.
Thought for the day: Follow these basic tips for healthy living
and you can better control your own destiny.
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