10 Ways to Be Happy and Healthy in 2010
Key points
- Often referred to as a “protective food,” dark green foods provide essential vitamins and nutrients to your body that protect you from many of life’s worst diseases.
- The Food and Drug Administration recommends three to five servings a day for pristine health.
- D., of Unigene Laboratories reminds people that, “when it comes to the risk of thinning bones, it’s the weight bearing nature of exercise that signals bones to create more mass.
- There is still a lot to learn about bone health, but in the meantime, it is important for both men and women to partake in exercises that get you up on your feet.
1) It’s Easy Being Green
Whether you are a vegetarian, vegan, carnivore or pescetarian, vegetables should be a central part of your diet. Often referred to as a “protective food,” dark green foods provide essential vitamins and nutrients to your body that protect you from many of life’s worst diseases.
The Food and Drug Administration recommends three to five servings a day for pristine health. This is not as hard to accomplish as it sounds. Examples of one serving include: two broccoli spears, three tablespoons of green beans or three sticks of celery.
2) Get on Your Feet
If you’re a biker or a swimmer, you may need to add an additional element to your workout regime. Dr. Warren Levy, Ph. D., of Unigene Laboratories reminds people that, “when it comes to the risk of thinning bones, it’s the weight bearing nature of exercise that signals bones to create more mass. Without such stress, bones do not get stronger, and become more prone to injury.”
There is still a lot to learn about bone health, but in the meantime, it is important for both men and women to partake in exercises that get you up on your feet. This is a fact. If you’re a biker or a swimmer, squeeze in some walking or a run a couple of times a week.
3) Brush Your Teeth
We are all aware of the cosmetic benefits of keeping those pearly whites, well, pearly, but there are additional benefits hidden between the bristles of your brush.
Brushing and flossing your teeth not only prevents tooth decay, but it prevents gum disease, which has been linked to heart attacks and strokes. Healthy gums are one more way to keep that heart pumping strong.
4) Hear Ye, Hear Ye!
Pick up your local newspaper once in a while! There is more information out there than you can imagine. Sift through the bounty of news because when it comes to your health and healthcare, no one is more responsible for their management than you are.
Instead of following what your office mate or carpool buddy says, take the time to understand the healthcare debate and arm yourself with knowledge. A good place to start? www.whitehouse.gov/issues/health-care
5) Be a Small Fry
Don’t try to deny it. Everyone has something they can’t get enough of. Whether it’s ice cream, cheddar cheese or dinner out, take the opportunity to start the new decade off with a little less on your plate.
You don’t have to deprive yourself, just regulate. By ordering a small fry from McDonald’s versus a large, you save yourself from 270 calories and too much artery-clogging grease, but are still left with the sweet nectar of a delicious fried food.
Written and revised by
Andrey Nailor, M.D.
Our doctors write and review articles for accuracy and keep them up to date.
health.am provides general information, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified health professional about your own health.
