A Healthier You Is As Easy As ABC
This spring, usher in the new season with a healthier you. Learn your wellness ABCs now, put them into practice and enjoy the benefits of better health for a lifetime.
A is for attendAttend regular checkups. B is for breakfastEat breakfast. A healthy breakfast provides you with the daily nutrients you need to get your mind and body moving. C is for caffeineLimit caffeine. A little caffeine each day is okay. Just remember that it is a drug, and consuming too much can cause a physical dependence on the substance. D is for de-stressDe-stress yourself. Too much stress can impact your skin, sleep, appetite, mental health, interactions with others and amount of self-confidence. E is for exerciseExercise regularly. F is for fiberEat foods high in fiber. According to the Mayo Clinic, the health benefits are numerous -- fiber helps control blood sugar levels, manage weight, maintain bowel health and lower cholesterol. G is for get physicalGet physical. Look for daily opportunities to move around. Park your car a block away from your office, take the stairs or ride your bike. H is for hidden caloriesUncover hidden calories. Find replacements for the extra calories and fat that are lurking in your favorite meals. Switching up cooking oil, using reduced-fat cheese and changing your salad dressings are three easy ways to get started. I is for ironEat iron-rich foods. Iron is an essential energy-booster that helps to move oxygen to your blood cells. J is for jobWork toward job satisfaction. Stress in the workplace and other factors that lead to job dissatisfaction can have an impact on your mental and physical health. K is for know your bodyKnow your body. Learn to listen to your body's cues to detect illness or injuries early on. L is for limit caloriesLimit your calories. Better than any fad diet, make sure your calorie intake matches up with your physical activity and lifestyle. M is for moderationModeration is the key. Eat what you want in sensible portion sizes that fit within your daily calorie limit. Eating everything in moderation helps to curb cravings and keep you feeling satisfied. N is for nutritionMake nutrition your ultimate diet goal. Instead of focusing on cutting things from your diet, make sure to add nutritient-rich ingredients to each meal. O is for order off-menuEating out can crush a balanced diet. Don't be afraid to order off of the menu and get specific on how you'd like your food prepared. P is for put yourself firstPut yourself first. Taking care of yourself is the only way you will have the ability to take care of those around you. Q is for quitQuit smoking. R is for relationshipsMaintain healthy relationships. Working to keep the key relationships in your life strong can help you feel satisfied, supported and happy. S is for sunscreenAlways wear sunscreen. Protect the health of your skin by slathering on sunscreen each day with an SPF of 15 or higher. T is for teethTake care of your teeth. Oral health can actually impact your general health. Problems in your mouth can cause problems in the rest of your body, so make sure your teeth are in tip top shape. U is for unplugTake time to unplug. Take a break from the electronic devices in your life to focus on yourself, your family and your friends. V is for vitaminTake a daily multi-vitamin. W is for waterDrink plenty of water. X is for expressFind creative outlets to express yourself. It can improve your state of mind and relationships with others, and you might even uncover a hidden talent or two! Y is for yogaTake a yoga class. Z is for ZZZsMake sure you are getting enough ZZZs. Getting enough sleep each day can help to reduce your stress and your risk of obesity, heart disease and possible mood disorders. Read moreHeart-healthy family activities
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