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:
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 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
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.
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