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Healthy Living

  As any healthcare professional will tell you, healthy habits are the cornerstone of a healthy life. It is imperative that we all strive to implement these habits in our every day lives in order to prevent poor health in the future. We all want a long and fulfilling life, and with honest effort to make healthy decisions we can all look forward to a healthier tomorrow.

  The first step in this process is to make a conscious effort to eat healthy. This consists of eating a balanced diet, drinking plenty of water, and providing your body with essential vitamins and minerals. We are all familiar with the standard food pyramid guidelines, breads and grains on the bottom, then fruits and veggies, then meat and dairy, and fats and sweets on top. But did you know the USDA has revamped this somewhat outdated tool? You can now personalize your pyramid to your specific needs whether you're trying to lose weight, pregnant or breastfeeding, or helping your child learn healthy habits. You can find all of this and more at mypyramid.gov. It is an excellent tool that can help you and your family make better dietary decisions.

  Another part of healthy eating is incorporating a healthy amount of water into your diet. Water is more than just a means to quench thirst. According to the American Council of Exercise, water regulates the body's temperature, cushions and protects vital organs, aids the digestive system, and works within each individual cell transporting nutrients and flushing waste. Water is our most basic, most essential source of life. It is recommended that women consume at least 91 oz of water per day and men should consume at least 125 oz so drink up!

  Once you get your eating habits under control, the foods you choose will provide you with most of the vitamins and minerals you need. However, it is important to talk with your doctor to determine if any supplementation is needed. Visit nih.gov to learn more about essential vitamins and minerals, their functions in our bodies, and the appropriate daily intake based on age.

  Healthy living is impossible without regular physical exercise. The staff at Mayo Clinic has summarized seven benefits of regular physical activity. Exercise has been shown to boost your mood by stimulating various chemicals in your brain to make you feel happier and more relaxed. It also combats chronic diseases like hypertension and hyperlipidemia, Type 2 Diabetes, and osteoporosis. Of course, regular exercise can also help you lose weight by burning calories. The fourth benefit of exercise is its ability to provide more energy by delivering oxygen and nutrients to your tissues and revving your cardiovascular system to work more efficiently. Exercise also promotes better sleep, raises self esteem (which can lead to other activities!), and provide you and your family with a fun and healthy way to spend time together.

  So, enjoy your life. Eat healthy, exercise regularly, and take comfort in the fact that you are making the right choices for your family's wellbeing.

 

 

Sources:

mypyramid.gov

cdc.gov