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: Cha, Cha, Cha….
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…. 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 becaufloss 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
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. 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.