Health and Lifestyle
You can make changes that will affect the quality of your life and your longevity. Take control. Be a pro-active patient. Even small changes can make a difference, so start small. Just start!
Some things cannot be changed, such as gender and heredity, but it’s important to know that you do have the ability to control many aspects of your health:
- Watch your weight. It’s hard to do, but you have to start somewhere. Make one change every day, such as a little less on your plate. Pay attention to what you eat. If necessary, write it down. Studies show that people who write down what they’re consuming really do lose weight! You’ll see a difference and you’ll feel a difference.
- Exercise. Even if you hate the idea of exercising, you can definitely walk more. It will help the pounds come off, increase your stamina and lower your blood pressure and cholesterol numbers.
- Know where you stand. As long as we’re on the subject of blood pressure and cholesterol, know your numbers. Uncontrolled cholesterol causes placque build-up which blocks blood flow. High blood pressure is an indication that your heart is working too hard. Most of the time, these conditions can be corrected with diet and exercise. If you need to take medicine to stay in control, take your medicine!
- Smoking. You know it’s bad for you, and quitting is hard. Enough said. Ask your doctor for some practical advice. Remember that even a small step like cutting out 1 cigarette a day is an accomplishment.
Change is never easy, so we encourage you to talk to your doctor and learn what you can do to improve your health. You can start now. You can start today.
