You've Got a Great Body... Keep it that Way!

If your body has a say in the matter, it wants to stay healthy and keep you feeling good. Even though Mark Twain once claimed that "the only way to keep your health is to eat what you don't want, drink what you don't like, and do what you'd druther not," here are several easy-to-implement, fairly pleasant daily habits that will make your life healthier, more productive, and more enjoyable.

Get out in the sunshine. If you make sure you're protected from the sun's rays, a daily dose of sunshine can give you energy and motivation. Sunlight can affect your mood in a positive way, even on a cold day. Now that it's summer, go outdoors, play pick-up football or take a walk with a friend, and enjoy the day.

Increase your movement one step at a time. Unless you are a triathlete who spends a good deal of every day in workout mode, moving your body a little bit more than you are currently used to every day will make your metabolism hum and encourage your immune system to ramp up. As little as stretching when you get out of bed, climbing an extra set of stairs, walking an extra block, or adding a yoga class to your week can dramatically improve the way you feel.  And if you walk, you can log on to WalkingWorks® on our web site to get a pedometer free of charge and access a participant's guide to help track your progress.

Eat from the outside aisles of the grocery store. That's where all the fresh vegetables, fruits, and meats are located, as well as most fresh dairy products. The key to eating nutrient-rich meals is to purchase foods in season and stay away from processed foods as much as possible. And, if you don't already, try eating "breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince, and dinner like a pauper," a habit that jumpstarts weight loss.

Get to bed a little earlier. While it's tempting to stay up late to finish a movie or chat on the phone, you often pay for it the next day. Not only that, but studies show that sleeping less than six hours a night can increase risk of heart disease and cancer. The sleep hours are those that the body and mind use to rejuvenate, so develop bedtime patterns that help you shut down earlier and wake more refreshed.

Drink more water. Reason number one: Even mild dehydration, caused by drinking coffee and sodas, can sap your energy, give you a headache, or cause your body to hold onto toxins. Reason number two: Water is a great weight loss tool because it replaces calorie-packed drinks like soda, juice, and alcohol, and it suppresses appetite. We often think we are hungry when we actually just need a glass of water to feel full. Reason number three: Drinking water can often help cure stomach acid problems and reduce risk of cancer and heart disease.

Lose the bad habits. You know what they are...smoking, excessive alcohol, junk food, or sitting on the couch when you could be up and moving. Sometimes it takes a village to help you say good-bye to those harmful habits that are so difficult to drop. Doctors, scientists and psychologists all agree that a supportive community of friends can motivate people to care more about their health; in fact, it's said that the hidden word in illness is "I" while the hidden word in wellness is "we." Need help?  Take the Blue Health Assessment and you can access interactive modules such as:

• Balance™ for weight management and physical activity
• Move™ for physical activity
• Overcoming™ for help with depression
• Insomnia™ to help improve your sleep
• Nourish™ for information about nutrition
• Care™ for help with back pain

According to the World Health Organization, "Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity." By taking care of your body, you can increase your mental and social happiness—and influence family and friends to engage in a healthier lifestyle, as well.

It's never too late to start. We want you and your family to enjoy a productive and happy 2011!

June 2010. Written by Katherine Potter Thompson, Helix Associates. Resources include:www.fepblue.org and Blue Health Connection.

Page last updated: December 16, 2011