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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