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Keeping
Wyoming Healthy
SENATOR
JOHN BARRASSO, M.D.
10 Health Tips for Adults
Each new
year, many of us wish for peace, prosperity, and
especially good health. Fortunately, we often can
realize our wish for good health, because for all the
advances in medical science, the road to good health
starts with us. I'm happy to share with you my top 10
list of tips for a healthy year, culled from the
American Medical Association and my own experience as a
doctor.
Eat a balanced diet
Whether we emphasize protein or carbohydrates, our diets
should contain plenty of natural foods and be balanced
with plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains
and be low in fats and calories
Eat less
Too much of any good thing isn't very good for us. Most
of us can eat anything we want, as long as we practice
moderation and don't go overboard.
Exercise more
Moderate daily exercise, 30 minutes a day at least four
or five times a week, is one of the best steps we can
take to improve or maintain our health. Talk to your
doctor before starting an exercise program, but by all
means start, because obesity has reached epidemic
proportions in this country.
Quit smoking or chewing tobacco right now
Tobacco is a leading cause of death in the United States
today, directly or indirectly, and it is a risk we can
single-handedly eliminate.
If we choose to drink alcohol, use moderation
While some studies suggest that moderate alcohol
consumption may have some benefits, there is
overwhelming evidence that heavy alcohol consumption
increases our risk for many diseases and can kill us
outright.
Have regular medical checkups or health screenings,
such as those available from Wyoming Health Fairs.
Preventing diseases or detecting and treating them in
their early stages is one of the best steps we can take
toward good health.
Take an aspirin
An aspirin a day may be even better than an apple a day
for most people, because aspirin is highly effective in
reducing pain and inflammation as well as risk for heart
disease.
Wash our hands frequently and get a flu shot
We spread more colds and bugs through germs on our hands
than anyone can imagine, yet washing our hands is far
easier to control than the air we breathe. Flu shots
aren't foolproof, but they reduce the risk of getting
influenza or reduce the severity of the flu attack.
Wear seat belts, always
The single vehicle rollover is the most common cause of
fatalities on Wyoming highways, and in most cases the
victims would still be alive today if they had been
wearing their seat belts.
Talk to our spouses, our family and friends and our
doctor, practice our faith and enjoy a good laugh.
Studies show that people who communicate openly, have a
deep religious faith and enjoy humor stay healthier and
recover more quickly from illness or injury.
Nobody can guarantee good health every year, but we all will increase our odds if we practice
these tips for a healthier life.
Helping you care for yourself... |
