10 Essential Health Tips
Article contributed by Reid Beloni
1. Move More
Make it a daily challenge to move your body more often. Instead of taking the escalator or elevator take the stairs. Instead of parking at the front of the commuter lot make it a point to park in the back of the lot. Play catch with your friends or walk your dog. Anything that gets your limbs moving is not only good for physical activity but is also a stress buster. You don’t have to spend an hour at the gym kickboxing, even though it is great to do so when you have the time! Think in small increments of movement. Keeping on the go throughout the day will help you burn more calories and stress than you may realize, so get moving!
2. Cut Fat
Try to avoid the obvious foods such as fried foods, hamburgers, pizza, and other fatty foods. Try to consume milk and other dairy products in low fat versions. Nuts, sandwich meats, mayonnaise, sauces, butter and margarine should be eaten in limited amounts or in low fat versions. The thought for the day…lean, mean, fat burning machine.
3. Quit Smoking
We all know smoking is bad for our health. Ever since 1960 when the surgeon general announced that cigarette smoking is harmful, Americans have been cutting back. Try to quit slowly; get help from those around you; quitting cold turkey is far more difficult.
4. Reduce Stress
This is often easier said than done. Some experts recommend spending time thinking positive thoughts. You should try and spend at least 30 minutes everyday doing something you enjoy such as walking your dog, reading a book, talking a walk, visiting a friend, soaking in the bath tub, or watching a funny movie. The point is to take time out to enjoy yourself everyday. Try meditating. Count to ten before losing your temper and try to avoid negative people.
5. Protect Yourself From Pollution
Since we cannot live in a smog-free environment, try to avoid smoke-filled rooms, inhaling exhaust fumes and high traffic areas. Try to exercise outside when the smog rating is low. Try to exercise inside in air conditioning when air quality is good.
6. Wear Your Seatbelt
Even if you are only driving down the street to a friends place or to the grocery store it’s important to always wear your seatbelt. Ever heard the saying accidents occur closest to home. Well there is some truth in that. Seat belts add to longevity and help prevent potential injuries in car accidents.
7. Floss Your Teeth
Can you hear your mother in the back of your mind telling you to remember to floss your teeth? Well she was right. Recent studies have found direct connections between longevity and teeth flossing. Nobody knows exactly why but there is speculation that people who floss are typically more health conscious.
8. Avoid Excessive Drinking
Studies show that a glass of wine or one drink a day (two for men) can help protect against heart disease. Drinking more can cause to serious problems such as liver and kidney disease and cancer. Thought for the day: A jug of wine should last a long time!
9. Protect Your Skin
Wearing sun block is very important to the health of your skin. Sun block should be applied to your face, neck, arms and hands even in the middle of the winter. Not only does sun block protect against harmful sunrays it helps protect against climate toxins too.
10. Keep a Positive Mental Outlook
There is definitely a connection between living healthfully and happily and having a cheerful outlook on life. You should always be grateful for the things you have. Think positive, not negative!