As seniors, Sun City residents are privy to what seems like a constant barrage of health news. But making simple and easy-to-follow daily choices, which affect our mental and physical wellbeing, doesn’t have to be that complicated. In fact, many of us have already formed outstanding 24-hour living habits.
Now that we have traveled almost mid-way into 2018, here are WebMD’s suggestions to aid us in strengthening our “right things.”
1. YOU WALK EVERY DAY. It doesn’t matter where or how you walk, just do this inexpensive and “do any place” exercise as often as you daily can. Why? Because it helps your heart health, relieves stress, and burns calories. In bad weather, choose our indoor track or indoor tread mill. To step up your exercise schedule and further strengthen your heart muscle, choose to walk briskly for at least 30 minutes five days weekly.
2. YOU SAY THANK YOU. Write it down or say it audibly or say it mentally or simply text it. Expressing gratitude “Can help you feel better about your life, improve your relationships, and even help you avoid getting sick.”
3. YOU SPEND TIME WITH OTHERS. Our community is full of opportunities to become social with one another. Volunteer opportunities abound in Sun City to aid all residents in “chatting face-to-face.” You can even chat over texts or social media. “Expressing – rather than repressing – your emotions is key for a longer, healthier, and happier life, studies show.”
4. YOU COOK AT HOME. Eating fewer calories, carbs, and less fat is definitely a benefit found here. Check WebMD’s recipe finder for menu ingredients that will help you swap for better heart-healthy food items.
5. YOU SPEND TIME OUTDOORS. Our community is surrounded by “green areas” in which to exercise and join “nature.” Hike or stroll alone or with others to gain the benefit of physical and mental strengthening. Add plants to your indoor environment for cleaner air and a better mood.
6. YOU’VE DITCHED SUGARY SODA. In doing so, you have lowered your blood pressure, improved your heart health, and reduced the possibility of developing type 2 diabetes. Of course, you have also removed extra sugar grams and calories that can lead to weight gain. How about trying to reduce your consumption of diet soda where some studies have shown a risk of metabolic syndrome and diabetes.
7. YOU MAKE SLEEP A PRIORITY. Shoot for nightly sleep quotas of seven to nine hours. In doing so, you have aided in minimizing your chances of getting long-term conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and depression. In addition, good sleep aids in the maintenance of a normal weight. Weakening melatonin (the brain’s sleep-inducing chemical) has been “linked to certain kinds of cancer, diabetes, and heart disease.”
8. YOU SEE YOUR DOCTOR REGULARLY. Regular checkups with your primary physician will guarantee an overall picture of vital health numbers seen in your blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, and weight. Problems that might have arisen for you since your last visit may be discussed at this crucial time. Don’t forget cancer screenings, vaccines, and immunizations needed. Include your dentist, dermatologist, and eye doctor in regularly scheduled appointments.
9. YOU STAY OUT OF THE SUN. Outdoor sun tanning and indoor tanning booths have been linked to a greater chance for developing skin cancer, as well as sun spots and wrinkles. Use a sunscreen on your face for outdoors whenever possible.
10. YOU LOOK ON THE BRIGHT SIDE. Did you know that positive attitude lowers your odds for depression, cardiovascular disease, and aids in longevity? Work on spreading positivity amongst all of your social contacts wherever you go. You’ll be making the world a better place to live in!
