What do you have to do to be healthy?

You know the answers instinctively, about what you have to do to be healthy. Life is fast and it is easy to get caught up in the “daily grind”. You arrive home after a hard day at the office and the only thing you can think about is “where is the remote”. You can make the biggest difference in how you feel and in your overall health. And you can begin today by taking these first steps.

Many of the major causes of debilitating diseases and death (cancer, heart disease, stroke, lung disease and injury) can be prevented in part by making healthy lifestyle choices.

Don’t smoke or use tobacco.
Smoking causes 440,000 deaths in the United States every year. Diseases (such as emphysema, mouth, throat and lung cancer and heart disease) are caused by tobacco use more than by anything else.

Limit how much alcohol you drink.
This means drink no more than 2 drinks a day for men and 1 drink a day for women. One drink is equal to 1 can of beer (12 ounces), a 4-ounce glass of wine or a 1ounce of liquor. Too much alcohol can damage the liver and contribute to some cancers, such as throat and liver cancer. Alcohol contributes to death from car wrecks, murders and suicides. Alcohol is also high in calories, can slow the metabolism and may lower your will power to say no to high fat/caloric foods.

Eat healthy.
It’s easy; eat more fruits and vegetables every day. By making healthier food choices, you can lower your cholesterol and lose weight. Try to avoid using too much sugar and salt; they can lead to weight gain and high blood pressure. Check out The Canada’s Food Guide for information on food basics: http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/fn-an/food-guide-aliment/index-eng.php.

Lose weight if you’re overweight
According to the latest study by CTV news, 51% of Canadians are overweight. Carrying too much weight increases your risk for high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, heart disease, stroke, cancer, gallbladder disease and arthritis in the weight-bearing joints (spine, hips or knees). A high-fiber, low fat diet and regular exercises can help you stay within your healthy weight range. What’s a healthy weight for you? Check out http://www.weightwatchers.ca/health/asm/calc_healthyweight_int.aspx.


To be continued.
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Catherine D'Aoust at GAIA Adventures
http://www.gaiaadventures.com
An invitation to love your life.