Few people would argue that good health is a person’s most valuable asset. The question is: how do we preserve and protect the asset nature has given us?
Preventive Medicine
Mounting evidence suggests many illnesses can be prevented through lifestyle changes. Unfortunately, we live in a world of increased artificiality. As we navigate through endless synthetics, we can’t lose sight of what is ultimately true: Your first defense against illness is prevention.
Preventive Medicine
Men and Women Should:
• Get tested regularly for sexually-transmitted diseases.
• Check your serum cholesterol.
• Get tested for diabetes, especially if there’s a family history.
• Take regular tuberculosis tests.
• Keep your vaccinations up to date and get a yearly flu shot, if recommended by your doctor.
• Never put off seeing a doctor if you suspect something is wrong with you.
• Follow normal health advice: quit/cut down on smoking, avoid controlled substances, eat a
balanced diet and exercise regularly.
* More women are being diagnosed with breast cancer than ever before. Early detection saves lives. Examine your breasts regularly to help yourself stay healthy.
Whenever you make a decision to go on a diet, you should know the various risks associated with weight loss. Any more than 1% of your total body weight lost is a week is excessive. If you want a permanent solution to a weight problem, you have to prepare yourself for a permanent, realistic lifestyle change and even behavior modification. Before beginning your diet, arrange for a routine check up with your doctor.
A realistic diet involves learning to choose healthier (low fat/high fiber) foods from within normal food groups. This combined with a conscientious fitness program will increase your changes of long-term success. You must also avoid fatty foods. Fatty foods stimulate insulin production in the body, causing it to build up a pro-fat hormone which in turn, causes fat storage. AS you work to improve your health and fitness, it would be wise to:
Drink at least one large glass of water shortly before each meal: You’ll become fuller on less food. Water also aids in digestion, improves circulation and moisturizes your skin, giving it a youthful glow.
Eat vegetables first, meat second and starch last at every meal: Fill up on fiber and proteins first; they are much better for you.
Consume several light meals daily, rather than three heavy meals: This will help you to maintain constant energy levels and increase alertness.
Avoid eating large meals late in the evening, especially when trying to lose weight: As the day progresses, your body's metabolism slows down, causing it to burn fewer calories. Late meals and snacks are soon converted to extra weight on the hips, thighs and abdomen. Eating late meals may also disrupt your sleep as you may experience some gastrointestinal issues during the wee hours.
Avoid overdosing on vitamin supplements: Excessive amounts of Vitamin C for example, can cause gout, the destruction of blood cells, impairment of white cells and more. The best way to get your essential vitamins and minerals is through food. Eat smart!
Never go shopping for food when you’re hungry: While this is counterintuitive, it is a wise dietary move. When you shop on an empty stomach the natural impulse will be to buy foods you shouldn’t eat and spend money you didn’t intend.
Related Resource: Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (800) 877-1600 www. eatright.org
If You Are A Woman:
• Get a pelvic exam and pap smear every year.
• Examine your breasts regularly (at least once every month).
• Get a mammogram yearly after age 40* (or as recommended by your doctor).
If You Are A Man:
• Get an annual physical.
• Have your prostate checked regularly after age 40
• See your urologist when necessary.
Work That Body!
"Why work out? I get enough exercise just pushing my luck!" –Anonymous
According to fitness experts, obesity is caused more by a sedentary lifestyle rather than overeating. While dieting is important, exercise is key to maintaining optimal weight. The reason: if you fail to exercise and burn calories, your store more fat. Many women believe skipping meals and going on radical diets will result in positive weight reduction. The truth is, any weight loss achieved by these means is probably temporary and potentially dangerous. What’s more, not eating properly and lowering carbohydrate intake can actually cause you to gain weight! Starving your body of food, even for a few hours, can create a condition known as adipocyte hypetrophy; your body slows its metabolism in response to what it perceives as starvation and increase its fat storage.
Conscientious Dieting and Exercise
Related Health Resources
Here’s something to think about: studies have shown regular exercise and improved eating habits can actually lower your biological age. By staying fit throughout your lifetime, you’ll lose less muscle mass and retain more strength as you grow older. You will also reduce your risk of a heart attack, diabetes, hypertension and other ailments. Walking, dancing, bicycling, gardening, even cleaning the house can help you stay in great shape.
Always check with your doctor before beginning any new fitness regimen.
Exercise moderately and don’t overdo it.
Choose activities that are convenient and fun and make them a part of your regular routine.
Find ways to exercise every part of your body. Including your brain!
Remember... Fitness is not a fad, it’s a lifelong goal!
“I didn’t fight my way to the top of the food chain to become a vegetarian.” –Source Unknown
For informational purposes only. No portion of this article is intended to replace the evaluation, care or advice of a health care professional. The author makes no claims or recommendations whatsoever as to any illness, treatment or cure. Read more...
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Tannis Blackman is a certified dance instructor and health enthusiast. She is the author of several books, including The Mystical Seductress Handbook and writes numerous articles for Alight Transmedia.
© 2022 Alight. © 2022 Tannis Blackman.
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