Everyone is looking for that fountain of youth and staying young. There are many products that are in the stores and advertised on TV that promote staying young and healthy. The real truth is that keeping young and healthy needs to start from within. If you choose to live like there is no tomorrow and fail to take care of yourself, then you are making a conscious choice to possibly cutting your life shorter than it needed to be. You make the choices what direction and paths you direct your body to travel in.
WATCH WHAT YOU ARE EATING
The food and drinks you choose to put in your mouth can make a big difference in your health. Things that you should be doing like, eating five to six servings of fruits and vegetables a day, decreasing the amount of animal fat you eat, and controlling the amount you eat can have a positive effect on your health status. By making healthy food choices you could be reducing your risk of cancer and other chronic illnesses. Focus on eating whole foods that have not been processed. If you eat foods in their raw states, they contain enzymes which help your body to repair, heal and aid with digestion. When you eat more vegetables and fruits you have increased the fiber in your diet. The increased fiber is a natural way to prevent overeating and helps to increase the absorption of antioxidants in your diet.
STOP SMOKING
It is no secret that smoking causes cancer and other lung diseases. It greatly increases your chances of dying from heart disease, especially if you are in the middle age stage of life. Second hand smoke is very dangerous and especially on children. Smokers should never smoke around children. If you are a smoker, than get help to stop.
BEING OVERWEIGHT
Obesity is at an all time high and is increasing in the United States. If you are overweight or obese, you are at an increased risk for diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and stroke. Again it cannot be stressed how important it is to eat healthy and wisely. Get regular exercise, and get up off of that couch.
EXERCISE
More than 50% of Americans do not get enough exercise to provide health benefits. You need to have 30 minutes of physical activity at least 4 to 5 times a week. You do not have to join a health club and spend money, exercise is free but you need to make a commitment. Start slowly and build up to a good exercise level. There are fun ways to get in shape, such as walking, dancing, gardening, swimming and even cutting the grass. Get a plan together and start exercising.
PHYSICAL AND MEDICAL EXAMS
There are medical tests to check for illnesses that could go on unnoticed. These are called screening tests. The screening tests you should have are based on age, health history, and your lifestyle. There are screening tests to check for high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, prostate cancer, breast cancer, colon cancer. If they find a problem early, your chances for treatment and cure are significantly better. These exams and screening tests can save lives. It is your responsibility to get the screening tests you need,
STRESS
It is important to learn how to balance your life and keeping stress to a minimum. Find activities that you enjoy and participate in them. This will help to lower your stress at work and at home. Find a balance between you job and your family, you are the only one that can make those choices. Exercise is a freat way to reduce stress in your life.
WATER, WATER,WATER
Your body is made from water and if you become dehydrated you will appear older. Every single cell in your body, your tissues, organs, your entire system need water to help it function at its optimal level. So continue to drink water and help bathe your body naturally.
KNOW YOU RISKS AND FAMILY HISTORY
Your chances for disease or health problems can be increased because of your family history, your exposure to diseases because of where you work, and choices you make in your personal life. In order to be healthy you need to acknowledge what is best for you and take care of yourself.
Just because you do not currently have a disease is not a definition of healthy. Healthy is dependant on how you live your life. Do you get enough sleep, relax at times and engage in a hobby or sport activity you enjoy? Find a way to balance work, home and play. you need to be good to yourself. Find a healthy living plan and follow it. Plan yearly visits to the doctor and get your screening tests as recommended. The secret to a long and healthy life is learning to take care of you and only you can do that.