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&
HEALTH
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SPRING
FWD
A GREAT TIME TO MAKE HEALTHY CHANGES
MANY
of us launch the new year
with resolutions to improve ourselves.
Those resolutions often fizzle in a few
weeks or months. But that doesn’t
mean you have to wait until next
January to get a fresh start.
The beginning of daylight saving
time, with brighter, warmer days, is
a great time to make a fresh start.
Spring into better health with one of
these bright ideas.
Give your kitchen a makeover.
Take time to say
out
with the old
and unhealthy and
in
with fresh,
new food options. You can get some
spring cleaning in at the same time.
First, go through the fridge and
pantry. Start by discarding anything
that’s spoiled or expired. Next, take
stock of sugary or salty foods, and toss
most of them. You might keep one or
two of your favorite snacks, though,
for an occasional indulgence.
Finally, do a little menu planning.
What does your family enjoy? What
types of colorful produce are in sea-
son? Plan simple, nutritious meals,
and then go shopping to stock your
newly cleared kitchen.
Optimize those ZZZs.
When
it comes to sleep, both quality and
quantity count. If you’re dragging
through your days, take a look at
your sleep habits. It might help to:
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Create a cozy, relaxing sleep envi-
ronment. Think quiet, dark and cool.
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Put electronics to sleep early. The
type of light emitted from laptops
and other screens can stimulate
the brain, making it difficult to fall
asleep.
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Find a soothing bedtime ritual,
like reading a book, taking a bath or
listening to quiet music.
If you have ongoing sleep prob-
lems, talk to your doctor.
Commit to fit.
Let longer days
and the improving weather
beckon you to get out
and moving. It’s
time to enjoy long
walks on balmy
spring days, for
example, or dig
into yardwork and
gardening.
Being active can
boost mood and ease
anxiety. It can also lower blood pres-
sure, improve cholesterol levels and
help you sleep better. The list goes on
and on.
And exercise doesn’t have to be
a chore—you’re more likely to stick
with it when it’s fun. Check your
local recreation center for a sports
league to join. Head to a local park
that has volleyball nets or horseshoe
pits set up. Or train for a 5K walk or
run.
Sun-proof your skin.
While it’s
not summer yet, protecting skin is a
year-round endeavor. Let the brighter
days of spring be a reminder to step
up your game. Cover up with long
sleeves, long pants, sunglasses and
a brimmed hat. And use
sunscreen when you’ll be
outside. Remember,
damaging UV rays
can reach you even
on gray, overcast
days.
Sources: American College of Allergy,
Asthma and Immunology; American Heart
Association; American Institute for Cancer
Research; Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention; National Heart, Lung, and Blood
Institute; National Sleep Foundation
NEED
A PRIMARY
DOCTOR?
For appointments
with a primary care
physician or one of
our specialists, call
660-562-2525
.