GREAT TIPS FOR EVERYONE TO KNOW ABOUT

Protect your Priceless Heart:  Heart disease is still the leading killer of women in America, so do all you can to fight back!  The American Hart Association recommends seven basic ways to lower risk: get active, control cholesterol, eat better, manage blood pressure, lose weight, reduce blood sugar, and stop smoking.  Talk to your doctor about assessing your risk

Plan for a Winning Year: Whatever this year brings, you’ll be able to give it your best by putting wellness first.  Commit to good nutrition, frequent physical activity, on-time health exams, stress management, ample sleep, weight control, and not smoking.  Knowing you can change any unhealthy habits (and you can!) is a powerful key to success.

Know your Numbers:  Good health means more than a number on the scale.  Know your other numbers too – blood pressure, cholesterol, body mass index.  Ask your doctor to explain what these numbers mean and what’s healthy for you.

Relax!: The beginning of the school year can be stressful for families.  Take some time for yourself and explore new ways to relax.  Yoga, meditation, reflexology, massage can all help you take a deep breath and slow down.

Wear Your Seat Belt:  Not wearing a seat belt when you’re driving or riding in a car dramatically increases your chance of being killed if you’re in an accident.  While you’re buckling up, put away the cell phone too. Texting and talking while driving is as dangerous as drinking or doing drugs while driving.

Don’t Drink & Drive:  A pina colada on a hot summer’s day may sound refreshing, but if you’re going to drink, don’t drive.  That includes not only cars, but motorcycles, bicycles, even boats.  If you’re going to sip, remember to stay put!

Ahh-chool! –  Springtime brings new growth, and with it, allergy symptoms such as sneezes and watery, itchy eyes.  Keep your windows closed as much as possible (even in your car), do your outdoor activities in the early morning or early evening, and shower after you’ve been outside

Keep Colds and Flu at Bay:  Take preventive action to stay well through cold and flu season.  Boost your immune system with sufficient sleep, exercise, nutrition and stress control.  Wash your hands often and try not to touch your eyes, nose or mouth.  Avoid close contact with those who are sick.  

Put Breast Care in Focus -   Do all you can to protect yourself from breast cancer.  Follow the recommended schedule of breast-care screenings.  If you’re at higher than average risk for breast cancer, ask your doctor about additional screenings.  Also discuss any lifestyle changes you can make to help prevent the disease, including limiting your alcohol intake, losing weight and exercising.

Set a Positive Example:  Be a role model for your family.  Instead of watching TV, suggest a family walk or bike ride.  Eat right and provide nutritious meals and snacks.  Schedule immunizations and health tests on time for everyone, including eye exams and dental checkups.  Help each other break any unhealthy habits, and work together to maintain a fitness routine.

Vitamin D Will Do You Good: Too much exposure to the sun can be harmful, but as least 15-20 minutes a day outdoors can bring you the benefits of the sunshine vitamin, including a lower risk of cancer and stronger bones.  If you can’t get outdoors, ask your doctor about taking Vitamin D supplements

Green Your diet:  Swimsuit season is just around the corner.  Fill your fridge with fresh fruits and vegetables, and other healthy snacks such as hummus, tapenade, or salsa that add zing to your diet with little fat and calories.