What Tracking Your Health Shows
By Sandy Schroeder
When we take a look at our health with doctor checkups, questions may come up. What do you do if your blood pressure is high or your weight is climbing? Yearly checkups keep us in line and help us restructure routines, but Mayo Clinic suggests we should be ahead of the game.
Set Up a New Plan
This may be the time to chart a new course with more exercise, a better diet and less stress. As we get back to regular routines there is a lot to be said for establishing a "new normal." Instead of slipping back into the same old grooves, why not target the key issues of exercise, weight and stress and see what we can do.
Rethink Weight Issue
Years ago I used a popular weight loss program and lost 20 pounds. I was delighted, but since that time I have lost and gained back that same 20 pounds countless times. That's not good for the body and or overall health. Learn how to eat healthy and focus on the food instead of calories.
- Pick recipes based on your favorite healthy foods
- Slow down as you eat and savor your foods
- Sit down with family and friends to enjoy meals
- Cut back on takeout and franchise foods
Get Active and Stay Active
Mayo Clinic tells us staying active may be one of the most important habits that we can and should establish. Think about your day and pick natural spots to get outside and get moving. When they feel as natural as brushing your teeth, you may have won the battle. Making exercise a natural part of every day will pay off with lower weight, lower blood pressure, more energy and better moods.
Put Stress in Its Place
If you never quite catch up or feel really great, stress may be the demon at work. When we let worries over work, finances and family slow us down, stress takes the lead and we never really relax. To escape stress make the effort to find some good stress relievers.
- Try simple breathing exercises that you can do anywhere
- Make time to be outdoors every day, morning noon and night
- Try a yoga or tai chi class to soothe the mind and the body
- Add a little laughter whenever you can with amusing friends and funny movies
- Do a head-to-toe muscle relaxation going all through the body to release tension
- Add new exercise routines that you enjoy to sleep better and be better
- Keep moving whenever you have free time
Tracking your health can lead to all sorts of great benefits if we take charge and make them happen.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Loveland, Colo.