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Lifestyle Tips

By Sheila Longsdon, MSW.

A new year is upon us and many have made New Year’s resolutions that tend to be forgotten quickly.  Instead of focusing on one resolution, why not focus on healthy lifestyle tips that can be implemented in our everyday lives.

VISION

Our eyesight is probably the most valuable of our senses and with a few healthy habits the risk of eye conditions like cataracts & macular degeneration can be lowered.

1.  Protect your eyes by wearing sunglasses with 99-100% UVProtection

2. Stop smoking - 4 times more likely to develop vision problems than non-smokers

3. Eating fruits &vegetables - antioxidants absorb harmful UV rays in the eye & improve overall health of the eye

4. Healthy weight - overweight or obesity increases risk of decreased blood flow to the eyes which can increase risk of cataracts

5. Routine eye exams - American Optometric Association recommends that adults 61 & older have yearly eye exams.  Increased risk of cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration.  Adults at higher risk of eye disease include those with diabetes, hypertension, family history of eye disease, & those of African American ethnicity

HEALTHY HEART

According to the US Food & Drug Administration, heart disease is the No. 1 cause of death in this country.  Some healthy tips  include the following:

1. Eat less fat - fats found in foods from animals- meat, milk, cheese, butter

2. Eat less salt - increased usage comes from adding salt to our food at the table

3. Healthy diet - decrease amount of calories, increase foods high in fiber (fruits, grains, vegetables,  add foods high in “good fats” (olive oil, seafood, corn oil)

4. Ask your doctor to check your cholesterol level

5. Regular exercise

CANCER PREVENTION

There are lifestyle changes that can be implemented to reduce the risk of developing cancer.  Some of the changes include:

1. Stop smoking - linked to 15 different cancers & accounts for 30% of all cancer deaths

2. Sun safety - limit exposure to UV rays by wearing a hat, protective clothing (dark colors provide more protection),  applying sunscreen with a SPF 15 or greater, &  wearing sunglasses

3. Food & Fitness - including fruits & vegetables in the daily diet, staying active-  regular exercise, & maintaining a healthy weight

Have a safe & healthy new lifestyle!

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