Kimberly Ihekwoaba

“Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.” ~ Hippocrates

“The First wealth is health.” ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

Attended one of my regular check-ups at the clinic and came across this posting. Here is a list of 99 habits, which you may or may not agree with. But I believe doing most of the items of the list will lead to a life with reduced stress and you’ll be able to maintain a healthier lifestyle. Personal best on the list is #17 and # 18.

Which ones stood out to you?

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1. Don’t smoke
2. Don’t breathe other people’s smoke
3. Eat vegetables
4. Eat a lot of fruit
5. Eat whole grains
6. Limit sugar
7. Limit salt
8. Limit fat
9. Eat fresh foods, as opposed to processed foods
10. Watch your weight
11. Choose lower-fat dairy products
12. Use leaner meats
13. Eat foods prepared with little or no fat
14. Check the nutrient facts label on food products
15. Limit alcohol
16. Don’t abuse drugs
17. Smile
18. Keep smiling
19. Laugh
20. Laugh some more

21. Maintain a normal blood pressure
22. Follow your doctor’s advice
23. Be active/exercise – at least 2.5 hours a week
24. Do activities that raise your breathing rate
25. Do activities that raise your heart rate
26. Do activities that strengthen your muscles
27. Don’t exceed the speed limit when driving
28. Drive with your seat belt fastened
29. Do not drink and drive
30. Stop at red light and stop signs
31. Walk on green lights, not red
32. Cycle with a helmet
33. Rollerblade with a helmet
34. Limit your time in the sun
35. If you are in the sun, wear sunscreen
36. Wear sunglasses with UVA/UVB protection
37. Use insect repellent
38. Wash your hands periodically to avoid spreading/catching germs

39. Whistle a tune
40. Sing a song
41. Build healthy relationships with friends, family and colleagues
42. Find time to relax
43. Keep emergency kits handy
44. Get your cholesterol levels checked
45. Drink plenty of water every day
46. Get regular medical check-ups
47. Get a flu shot every autumn
48. Drive safely
49. Look both ways before crossing the street
50. Get your blood pressure checked
51. Don’t worry
52. Be happy
53. Avoid stress
54. Treat yourself to a Saturday nap (Sunday is fine, too)
55. Walk your dog
56. Walk someone else’ dog
57. Play Frisbee with your dog
58. Play Frisbee with someone else’s dog
59. Skip a rope
60. Maintain a regular bedtime and wake time schedule
61. Sleep on comfortable mattress with comfy pillows
62. Create a sleep environment that is dark, quiet, comfortable and cool
63. Finish eating 2-3 hours before bedtime
64. Avoid caffeine before bedtime
65. Avoid alcohol before bedtime
66. Take medication only as instructed by your doctor

67. Take the stairs, instead of elevators, whenever you can
68. Go for a walk during your lunch break
69. If you work at a desk, do stretches to reduce physical stress
70. Go fly a kite
71. Start your day with a stretch and a quick walk
72. Park the car a 10-minute distance from your destination
73. Instead of driving, walk or take the public transportation
74. Dance to your favourite music 10-minute a day
75. Mow your lawn with a push mower rather than a power mower
76. Join your local gym
77. Take up gardening – it uses all the body’s muscle groups
78. Hang out with people who care for and respect you
79. Brush your teeth daily
80. Floss your teeth daily
81. Use antimicrobial mouth rinse
82. Visit your dentist regularly
83. Avoid extreme heat
84. Avoid high levels of fluoride
85. Wash your hands before handling food
86. Wash your hands after handling raw meat, poultry, seafood, or eggs
87. Use paper towel or dishcloths to clean the kitchen, as opposed to sponges
88. Don’t place cooked food on surface previously holding raw food
89. Identify problems that cause you stress
90. Talk to friends or family about problems
91. Take up a hobby
92. Don’t be too hard on yourself
93. Make decisions
94. Avoid putting things off
95. Always use common sense
96. Make time for your partner
97. Eat slowly
98. Pamper yourself regularly
99. Be aware of food serving sizes

Does this resonate with you?

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