Taking Better Care of the Health

There is no time like the present to begin taking a stand for better health and encouraging your friends, family and loved ones to do the same. If you need some ideas, you can begin with the following behavioral modifications and move on from there.

1. Maintain a Healthy Weight

Keeping the weight at an optimal level is one good idea but often easier said than done. Still, some of these pointers can help you out. You must begin with the facts, if you find you are overweight, you can begin by not gaining any more weight. This in itself can remove some of the major obstacles and set you on the path to better health. Then, once you have gained this small measure of control you can begin setting out to shed the pounds you have already accumulated. You can find plenty of advice on finding your weight goals here.

Weight Loss Tips

Get more physical activity and movement in your life.

Eat a diet full of fruits, vegetables and whole grains.

Choose a smaller portion and eat slowly.

For Parents and Grandparents

Set limits for TV and computer time for children

Encourage healthier snacks of fruits and vegetables.

Encourage physical activity during free time.

2. Exercise Regularly

There are few things as healthy and conducive to a healthy happy life than good physical activity. While it can be difficult to find the right time, it is absolutely essential to get at least 30 minutes of healthy physical activity each day. More would be even better but if you are getting a half hour a day you are making great advances to your life of better health.

Tips

Choose activities that you find very fun and engaging. This could include walking, biking, playing a sport, or engaging in martial arts or yoga practice.

Make this healthy practice a habit by getting good exercise each day at the same time. Try heading out to the gym at lunchtime or going for a walk after dinner each day.

Stay motivated by exercising with someone.

For Parents and Grandparents

Give your kids a love of healthy living by playing games with them outdoors and providing them with outlets to use up their physical energy. Bikes and family walks are always a good idea.

Encourage kids to play outside and take part in games being organized by social and community groups for gymnastics and dance.

You can always wake a little earlier and walk with your kids to school, this is a good time to make a connection and get the blood flowing.

3. Don’t Smoke

It is hard to quit smoking, but it is by far the best thing you can do for your health. The good news is that it is totally possible and as many as 1000 Americans just like you are quitting this nasty habit each day. This will also help cut your health insurance costs. Visit Medisupps for supplement medical plans.

Tips

Keep trying,! It is not easy and very few people get this achievement for the first time. It will often take 6 or 7 attempts to nail this healthy step.

Speak with a health care provider.

Join a quit-smoking program.

For Parents and Grandparents

Try to break the habit as soon as you can, if you smoke the chances that your kids will smoke is greatly enhanced.

Don’t smoke in the house or your car as this will increase the likelihood that your kids can develop health conditions.

When you can, you will want to talk to your kids about the dangers of smoking and chewing tobacco.

4. Eat a Healthy Diet

Despite how much information and complexities exist on the subject, eating a healthy diet has never been easier. As a matter of fact, the basics of healthy eating can be understood by anyone. You need to make sure you are getting plenty of fruits and veggies and whole grains. You will want to keep red meats and processed foods to a minimum.

Tips

Have fruits and veggies with every meal and make sure this is communicated to your youngsters.

Choose leaner meat like fish or chicken or even beans a few days of the week instead of red meat.

Choose dishes made with olive or canola oil which are healthier than vegetable oils.

5. Drink Alcohol Only in Moderation, If at All

A small amount of drinking is good for the heart and can make for a happier life. But, drinking also increases the risk of cancer and heart disease. If you are not drinking, you have no reason to start. If you are drinking less than 2 glasses of wine a day, or an equivalent, you are doing fine. If you drink a lot, you will need to cut back.

Tips

Choose nonalcoholic drinks for meals and parties.

Talk to a health-care professional if you have a problem with alcohol.

Avoid events based around alcohol.

For Parents and Grandparents

Avoid making alcohol and essential at every family event.

When you can, discuss the dangers of drinking with your children.

When appropriate, discuss the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse with children. A health-care professional or school counselor can help.

6. Protect Yourself from the Sun

The sun is a terrific warming experience, but overexposure can have some serious side effects. Sunlight has harmful UV rays that can dry the skin and even increase the risk of cancers.

Tips

Avoid direct sunlight during the hours of the day when your shadow cast by the sun is shorter than your real height.

Wear long-sleeved clothes and sunscreens.

Avoid tanning lamps and booths.

For Parents and Grandparents

Buy a slightly tinted sunscreen so you can see if you have “missed a spot” on a fidgety child.

Be a good example by always bringing plenty of solar protection, like sheets, tents, awnings, umbrellas, sun hats, and more when heading to the outdoors.