Health Issue of the Month

Living a Healthier Lifestyle

Living a healthier lifestyle: We all know that getting fit and eating healthy brings its own rewards. When healthy, we feel and look better. We also know that moving toward a healthier lifestyle can be challenging.

Commit to getting fit: Talk to your doctor about the best way to reach your fitness goals and to set realistic objectives and timetables. Trying to lose too much weight too fast, for example can lead to more weight gain, frustration, and return to unhealthy habits. Success in leading a healthy lifestyle is accomplished with simple everyday habits that can help you feel better and keep fit.

Exercise is important: Physical activity is essential to get and stay fit. If you can't make it to the gym on a regular basis, here are a few ideas that can help you get the recommended amount of physical activity - instead of taking the elevator, use the stairs. Park your car further out in the parking lot (as long as you feel safe and it is not dark). Take a few brisk laps in the mall. Ask a friend to join you for a daily walk or get a friend to take a dance class with you on the weekends.

A healthy diet is essential: Substitute foods that are high in saturated fat and cholesterol with those that are low in fat and cholesterol. A healthy diet should include fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Try to eat more: ground turkey, skim milk or 1% low fat milk, low fat cheese, low fat yogurt, raw or steamed vegetables, rice cakes or pretzels, popcorn, low fat angel cake.