Sunday, March 1, 2009

11 EASY Ways to BETTER Health

Ever wonder why every year there are so many new diets, new ways of losing weight, new diet supplements?
Or why the first month of January the number of gym membership signups are at an all time high, yet by February, more than half are never to be seen again?
Or why diseases such as cancer, diabetes, heart disease, obesity, eating disorders, depression/anxiety are becoming more and more prevalent?


Here are some facts:
1. Average life expectancy is increasing.
2. Our lifestyle is changing from a much active to a more sedentary lifestyle.
3. Fast, cheap, salty/greasy foods make up a large component of the Western diet.
3. Health insurance costs are skyrocketing with lower payouts. Medicare will not be able to support future generations.
4. Diseases such as cancer, heart disease, diabetes, obesity, depression/anxiety are increasing dramatically.

With these facts in mind, health is becoming more and more important. Maintenance and prevention require establishing healthy habits early on. Here are 11 simple things I do to maintain my health.

Diet
1. Drinking 8 glasses of water every day (glass of water in the morning, during each meal, & during your breaks).
2. Eating foods high in water, fiber (Eat a salad or fruit w/ each meal).
3. Taking a vitamin every day.
Exercise
4. Running 1 hr a day, 3-4x a week. Lifting weights 2x a week. If you have bad knees, back then swim, or get on an elliptical machine. Make sure you heart rate is working at 60-75% of your maximum heart rate (220-age) for the entire time.
Emotional, spiritual, energy
5. Deep breathing, meditation, stretching 10-15 minutes every day following exercise.
6. Getting 8-9 hrs of sleep.
7. Reading uplifting books in the morning & before I go to sleep. Keeping my brain active by engaging in hobbies, reading.
8. Writing in my journal before going to bed. Writing down 5 things that I am thankful for.
9. Spending time with friends & family.

Preventive
10. Getting regular medical checkups. Main things to monitor are your blood pressure, resting heart rate, weight, cholesterol panel, and fasting glucose levels.
11. Treating myself once a week to reward myself for maintaining these healthy habits.

Remember, maintaining your health takes time, effort, & discipline. It requires establishing healthy habits. Little by little, if you start small & work your way one day at a time, you'll make it!


DISCLAIMER: The following are personal examples only. They are not professional recommendations. Please consult your personal physician before engaging in any of the following activities.

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