Ten Things You Can Do to be Healthier This Year

Ten Things You Can Do To Be Healthier

The Anne Arundel County Department of Health has provided the following things residents can do to improve their health in this new year. 

1. Wash your hands. Communicable diseases hitch rides on hands to your nose, mouth or the food you prepare. Hand sanitizers are a good alternative when hand washing is not possible. Use tissues or an elbow to cover a cough or sneeze. Hand Washing Tips.
2. Eat healthy foods. To maintain a healthy weight, balance calories eaten with calories burned during physical activities. Eat a varied diet that is high in fruits and vegetables, lean protein and whole grains, but low in sugars and saturated fats. Watch portion sizes and limit sugary or alcoholic beverages. Healthy Recipes.
3. Get active. Activity helps your heart and builds muscle and bones, while reducing fat storage. Physical activity improves strength, balance, mood, posture and sleep, and it even reduces risk of injury. Walking just two miles a day increases life expectancy. Increase your fitness level with a variety of activities, especially those you enjoy and can do on a regular basis. Encourage children to play. They need two hours of activity daily to be healthy, and active play is the best way. Join the Family Fitness Challenge.  Said local Arnold physician James Rummel, "If you like the idea of living longer, exercise should be important to you. Regular exercise makes the body strong and helps fight disease."
4. Don't smoke or spend time in smoky air. In Anne Arundel County, tobacco and secondhand smoke are the leading causes of premature death, mainly from heart disease and cancer. Tobacco smoke makes children sick with respiratory problems and ear infections, and it can be lethal to infants. Don't allow smoking indoors, in cars or around children. Quitting smoking improves quality and length of life. If you smoke, quit. If you can't do it alone, get help.Smoking Cessation Kits and Classes.
5. See your doctor and dentist regularly. If you receive regular care from people you trust and who know you well, you will receive the prevention advice you need. Ask what cancer screenings you should have for your age, sex and risk factors. See Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening and Colorectal Cancer Screening. Ask about sun protection, heart health, aspirin, calcium and vitamins. Never put off medical care. Most diseases are easier to prevent or treat early.
6. Get immunized. Childhood immunizations improve health and lifespan. Adult immunizations for flu and pneumococcal disease also work to prevent illness. Ask your doctor about vaccines for yourself and your children. Immunization Services.
7. Drive safely. Seat belts and child safety seats are priorities on the road. See Car Safety Seat Information. Never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs. When driving, follow the rules of the road. Be alert, in full control of your vehicle and be patient with other travelers.
8. Conquer addictions. Substance abuse affects more than physical health. Addictions can destroy quality of life, mental health, relationships, work and school, and they often land people in legal trouble. See Substance Abuse Treatment Services. Good parenting is also important to help prevent substance abuse. See Tips for Parenting on Talking to Teens.
9. Keep relationships healthy. Build positive, long-term family and social relationships. Be responsible in your sex life by protecting yourself and your partner. Plan a pregnancy when you are ready to care for a baby. Family Planning. If you don't know your current HIV status, get tested. HIV Testing.
10. Get enough sleep. It will help you to learn, be productive and safe. Having a regular sleep-wake cycle has benefits that are hard to measure, but easy to feel. Brain Basics: Understanding Sleep (NINDS).

Local Arnold family physician James Ruppel has some helpful tips on his website for those who are committing to get physically active. 

"Depending on your age, underlying medical problems, and current level of fitness, you should start out easy and gradually increase your level of exercise. Talk to your doctor about how much exercise is right for you.  A good goal for many people is to work up to exercising 4 to 6 times a week for 30 to 60 minutes at a time."