Start Getting Healthier Now

Start Getting Healthier Now

Start off the new year by taking a few small steps to make a big difference in your physical and mental health.

Get a complete checkup by your family doctor. Ask him/her to look at the usual things such as cholesterol, blood pressure, weight, etc., but also ask your doctor to review such things as body mass index, body fat, bone density, vitamin D and blood sugar. Knowing your numbers and the desired ranges will help you know what areas in which you need to improve.

Learn how to handle stress better. If you find yourself in a stressful situation, learn how to take a deep breath. Do some simple stretches to loosen tense muscles in your neck, shoulders, back and legs. Blow off steam in your off-work time by exercising, dancing or even relaxing in a hot bath.

Improve your posture. When you were a kid, did your mother constantly tell you to “Stand up straighter”? Well, she was right. Good posture is important to your joints and to preventing skeletal problems. Check out your posture by standing against a wall. Your head should be about an inch from the wall and the shoulder blades and buttocks should be touching the wall. Good posture will balance the head directly above the neck and your straight spine.

Eat breakfast. You need to start the day with a good, healthy balanced breakfast which should consist of whole-grain, high-fiber cereal, fruit and some source of protein, which can be eggs, soy milk, or possible a protein powder smoothie.

Take your vitamins. Especially if you don’t eat a balanced diet, you should take at least a multi-vitamin each day. Most people are deficient in vitamin D. Talk to your doctor and see if you need to take an additional vitamin D supplement. Vitamin D is important to your bone health.

Exercise daily. Make time each and every day to get some exercise. Even if you just take a walk every day, it’s important to remain active.

With just a few simple changes, you can start the new year on the right foot and by the end of the year, you’ll be a better person both physically and mentally.