Healthy Habits for Your Lifetime!

Borrowed from UCF Pegasus Health by Kevin Fritz:

Heart disease, stroke, type2 diabetes, & some cancers can be related to unhealthy choices like high-fat diets & sedentary lifestyles. Dr. Leonardo Oliviera says adding 30 minutes of physical activity to your routine 5 days a week can do wonders, including reducing your risk of heart disease by 40%, lowering the risk of stroke by 27%. & dropping the incidence of diabetes by about 50%. "Obesity & smoking are affecting society the most," says Dr. Joyce Paulson, an internal medicine physician.

Here are some suggestions toward better health:

1. 10,000 steps
Try to walk 10,000 steps a day. "Exercise is the only prescription that can prevent & treat dozens of diseases," says Dr. Oliveira.
2. Cut out sodas.
According to Livestrong.com, a 12-oz. soda has 150 calories. These extra calories, if not burned off, can add more pounds to your waistline in a month. Drink water instead!
3. Quit smoking.
You will start to breath easier within 20 minustes of quitting. Your heart rate & blood pressure will drop according to the U.S. Surgeon General. Try to kick the habit!
4. Get your vegetables.
Increase more vegetables in your diet. But not potatoes! Eat more healthy ones with bright colors! And replace a hamburger with a veggie burger. Replace saturated fat with healthy unsaturated such as, polyunsaturated fats & monounsaturated fats, in general, nuts, vegetable oils, and fish. Add fiber & eat fewer calories.
5. Keep learning.
Keeping your mind sharp is just as important as being physically fit. Keeping the brain active can help reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease by 1/3.

Dr. Maria Cannarozzi says, "Good medicine for the body & mind starts by taking an active role in your own well-being."