Forming the Right Habits May Extend Life
By Tom Herrin
A lot of us likely feel that our life expectancy is written in the stars, or the DNA, and we are left to do little about it. For some things, this is exactly true. For others, good practices, or habits, may help us to make positive changes in our lives that may translate into better health and longer life. It may be true that we may have the ability to lengthen our lives by using some discipline and wise practices. For the most part, it doesn't require very much effort at all.
Move Along
A lot of our long term health may depend on good movement. We know exercise is good for us, but when we do so with a purpose, it may provide more motivation. General movement may maintain better circulation. It may also help to strengthen bones. This is accomplished by weight-bearing exercise. Even mild exercise can help. This may be as simple as walking short distances. When this is compared to sitting and doing nothing, it is an improvement. Almost any exercise, in the long term, can help slow aging. The fact is that movement can help.
Eat Better
Most of the time, we can all do a better job of eating well. If we fine tune our diet, we can make changes that will have substantial results. Cutting fats can be done a little at a time with simple planning. Eating more fruits and vegetables can help to provide more vitamins as well as fiber. They generally have fewer calories than other choices that are not as healthy. Other decisions such as cutting sugars and other carbs can lessen some problems with things such as diabetes. Before long, good food choices may add up to more years of better health.
Be Involved
When we make a commitment to become more involved in our communities, we all win. There is something about volunteerism that lifts the spirit. It can also help to reduce stress and provide more motivation. Spending time with others can help us and them. I find that, anytime I am a little down, I have found that simply doing something for someone else can make me feel better. The bottom line, being more a part of a community may be another way to lengthen life. It is easily worth adding to the list of things to do.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Newnan, Ga.