Give Yourself the Gift of Health This Season

This season let's focus less on expensive presents and more on healthy living, peace of mind, and spirituality. All of which, are beneficial for good health.

We can start by exercising more. I know, even saying the word, "exercise" is stressful, it doesn't have to be. Exercise can simply be moving more throughout the day. Walking is the most beneficial exercise there is. Make an effort to walk, start with 2 miles after dinner. Walk with a friend or alone. Walking alone gives you time to reflect. which is a stress reducer. If walking outside isn't an option, stay busy inside your home. Give yourself home improvement projects to do. You can start by painting or rearranging furniture.Treat yourself and a family member to dance lessons. Dancing is an excellent exercise that really tones the body. If you can't afford lessons, dance at home. Just keep moving.

Let's not forget our vitamins. If your not taking a multivitamin daily, your cheating your body. Most of us are not getting the recommended vitamins and minerals we need to stay healthy. Without the proper vitamins, we tend to be sluggish with poor immune systems. A good multivitamin after breakfast will give you what you need to stay energized throughout the day. You can purchase vitamins at just about any store.

Water makes up approximately 70% of our body, yet we consume so little. A large percentage of patients are admitted to the hospital due to dehydration. We must drink water to stay healthy. Water flushes impurities out of our body. Without enough hydration, we will suffer illnesses such as, chronic constipation, gas and bloating, acne, and a host of other illnesses. We should be consuming 6 to 8, 8oz. glasses of water daily. This is something we all can do without spending any money.

One of the most important aspects of health is knowledge. Having the knowledge to realize that visiting a doctor yearly can save your life. Every adult should have a primary physician that they visit regularly. Let's face it, sooner or later, we will all end up in a hospital. Let's try to make it later by having regular physicals. The primary purpose of seeing a doctor is preventative care. When you visit the doctor after your ill, your defeating the purpose.

Scientific studies have shown that daily reading and learning decreases the risk of illnesses like Alzheimers and dementia. If you must exercise for body health, it makes sense to learn for brain health. Let's turn off our television and enjoy a good book or magazine. Visit your city college and request information concerning classes. If a class interest you, take it. Take a class on line, while at home. Taking a class kills two birds with one stone. Brain health and possible job advancement.

Last, but not least, nutrition. I won't discuss what the right and wrong foods are. We are already aware. I will discuss, however, the numerous post heart attack patients that I've cared for. Almost all say the same thing, "I know I wasn't taking care of myself." We know what to do, let's start doing it. Good luck and stay healthy.