Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can be challenging. The stresses of our modern day society contribute to unhealthy choices such as fast food, processed food, and smoking. Long workweeks, lack of exercise and alcohol consumption are also a factor. There are significant benefits to improving the choices that we make in order to have a healthier and longer life. Here are just a few healthy lifestyle changes to consider: Exercise Regular physical activity can help prevent and manage preventable diseases such as heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes. Lower rates of cancers, stroke, and depression have all been linked to regular physical activity. Lack of time is an often used excuse for lack of physical activity, but physical activity can easily be incorporated into your day by taking the stairs instead of the elevator, going for a walk during break times, and skipping drive thru windows.
Achieving and Maintaining a Healthy Weight Being overweight adds stress to bones and joints as well as primary organs such as the heart and lungs. When you maintain a healthy weight, the less stress there is on your body. We move better, sleep better and have more energy. Obesity is now the 2nd leading cause of preventable death in the US and can cause an increased risk for over 30 chronic conditions.
Healthy Eating A healthy diet can reduce the risk of over 10 chronic diseases, including high blood pressure, obesity, and diabetes. Fresh fruits, vegetables, grains, poultry, and fish offer complete nutrition and have a variety of flavors and textures. Home-cooked meals tend to be lower in fat, sodium, and calories than processed or restaurant-prepared meals. And preparing meals at home saves money and can bring the family closer together.
Health Screenings The cost of prevention is far less than the cost of treatment and management of chronic illnesses. When detected in early stages, treatment can significantly reduce or eliminate the onset of a chronic illness. Important health screenings include getting a blood pressure check every year and getting your cholesterol checked every 5 years. Click here for other CDC recommended health screenings Making small changes every day can help you live a healthier lifestyle.
Check out the CDC’s healthy living section
