4 Things You Can Do to Stay Healthy

By Paul Rothbart

The key to a happy and successful life is good health. When you feel good, everything seems a little easier. You can accomplish more when you're not frequently getting sick. Staying healthy doesn't come without some effort. It's something you work at day by day throughout your life. It doesn't have to be difficult. There are habits you can adopt that will help you stay in good health. Here are four things you can do.

Sleep Well

It's no secret that sleep is vital to health. Yet, many people either don't get enough sleep or don't get quality sleep. It's not something to skimp on. Sleep deprivation can leave you chronically tired as well as increase your risk of many diseases, including diabetes, heart disease, and kidney problems. It can also cause depression. Most people need 8-9 hours of solid sleep every night. Adopt a sleep schedule and stick to it. Make your bedroom free from electronics. You need a dark, quiet sleep environment. This is one of the best things you can do to maintain good health.

Drink Water

Water is also commonly known to be essential to health, yet many people don't hydrate sufficiently. Coffee, soda, and alcohol will not hydrate you. They tend to function as diuretics and will lower fluid levels. The best thing to drink is just water. No calories, no chemicals, just the hydration your body needs. Don't wait for thirst to tell you that you need to drink. By that time, you are past the point of needing water. Drinking several eight-ounce glasses throughout the day will ensure you stay hydrated and help you maintain good health.

Be Careful With Grilled Meats

Meat cooked on a grill can be delicious. Smoky flavor with those grill marks. Who doesn't love a cookout? Be wary of charred meat, however. When proteins become burned and charred, compounds may be formed that are carcinogenic. Be mindful of how charred your proteins are and don't consume grilled meat too often. The occasional cookout is fine, but doing it every day in the summer could cause health problems.

Watch Sugar Content

Excess sugar is one of the worst things for your health. It's been linked to obesity, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes. Limit the amount of sugar you ingest. This requires more than just cutting back to one teaspoon in your coffee. Many processed foods and condiments contain large quantities of sugar. This includes salad dressings, tomato sauces, and cereals. Read labels and know how much sugar is in a product before you buy it.

Everyone wants to be healthy. It's a worthwhile goal that is within your grasp. Take care of yourself and keep these four tips in mind and you'll get a jump on maintaining good health.

To learn more about your health, wellness and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Elgin, Ill.

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