number
1 |
Hit the
Sack Early |
|
Adequate restful sleep, like diet and exercise, is critical
to good health. Insufficient sleep can result in mental
and physical health problems. Try to keep a consistent ritual
that you do before bed – taking a bath, sipping a cup of
(decaffeinated) tea, anything but checking your e-mail.
This repetition can also condition your brain and body to
fall asleep faster. |
number
2 |
KEEP
A POSITIVE MENTAL OUTLOOK |
|
There's a definitive connection between living well and
healthfully and having a cheerful outlook on life. Remember,
you can't be unhappy when you're smiling or singing. |
number
3 |
AVOID
EXCESSIVE DRINKING |
|
Consuming alcohol in moderation is associated with better
health and greater longevity than abstaining or abusing
alcohol. Recent studies show a glass of wine or one drink
a day (two for men) can help protect against heart disease.
More than that can cause other health problems such as liver
and kidney disease and cancer. |
number
4 |
FLOSS
YOUR TEETH |
|
Recent studies show a direct correlation between longevity
and flossing. The risk of a number of diseases can be reduced
by regular brushing and flossing. It’s easy and those around
you will appreciate it as well. So, floss and show your
body who’s boss! |
number
5 |
EAT EVERY
THREE HOURS |
|
Eating speeds up metabolism and helps burn more resting
calories. Eating every three hours also lowers cortisol
levels. Cortisol is the stress hormone that comes from not
eating and putting your body in stress mode with starvation.
When you lower cortisol you burn belly fat first. When you
aren’t depriving your body, you experience less stress and
think more clearly! |
|
number
6 |
DRINK
MORE WATER |
|
Start your day with an 8 ounce glass of water and drink
8 ounces every two hours until bedtime. Water is necessary
for optimum lubrication of the joints. It will help flush
your kidneys and rid your body of toxic substances. Water
also helps your body maintain its volume of blood. When
you’re dehydrated, blood volume drops and your energy level
decreases. Don’t wait until you feel thirsty – this is not
a dependable indicator of dehydration. |
number
7 |
REDUCE
STRESS |
|
Easier said than done! Techniques recommended by experts
are as follows: Think positive thoughts. Spend 30 minutes
a day doing something you like. (i.e. soak in a hot tub;
walk on the beach; read a good book; have dinner with a
friend; play with your dog; listen to soothing music or
watch a funny movie). Get a massage, a facial or a haircut.
Meditate. Count to ten before losing your temper or getting
aggravated. Avoid difficult people when possible. |
number
8 |
QUIT
SMOKING |
|
The jury is definitely in on this verdict. Ever since 1960
when the Surgeon General announced that smoking was harmful
to your health, Americans have been reducing their use of
tobacco products. Smoking cigarettes causes at least 30
percent of all cancer deaths in the U.S. It’s never too
late to enjoy the health benefits of quitting. |
number
9 |
CUT FAT |
|
People should get no more than 30 percent of their daily
calories from fat. Avoid the obvious such as fried foods
and fatty meats (i.e. pork, bacon, ham, salami, ribs and
sausage). Dairy products such as cheese, cottage cheese,
milk and cream should be eaten in low fat versions. Nuts
and sandwich meats, mayonnaise, margarine, butter and sauces
should be eaten in limited amounts. Most are available in
lower fat versions such as substitute butter, fat free cheeses
and mayonnaise. |
number
10 |
MOVE
MORE |
|
Choose activities that are fun, not exhausting. Add variety.
Develop a collection of several activities that you can
enjoy. That way exercise will never seem boring or routine. |
|