Health Tips

Establishing and maintaining a healthy habits improves quality of life, and taking good care of yourself will bring both physical and mental benefits. It is also important to see a physician and a dentist at least once a year for a check-up. A physical exam, and the lab tests that go along with it, allows a health professional to monitor things like cholesterol levels and blood pressure, and ensure that any minor problems do not develop into life-threatening diseases.

Getting enough exercise is a challenge for most of us. The American Cancer Society recommends 30 minutes of moderate activity 7 days a week.

Here are some ideas to get you started.

1. Take a family walk around the neighborhood after dinner. Younger children may want to bike or go by scooter.
    

2. Go for a stroll on your lunch break.
    

3. Wash your car. You’ll save money and get those arms moving. Or you can do yard work or clean the house!
    
4. Take a friend dancing.
    

5. Walk the dog.
    

6. Ride your bike.
    
7. Take the stairs instead of the elevator.
    
8. Park farther away from the grocery store or shopping mall entrance.
    
9. Play active games with your children, like freeze tag or jump rope.
    
10. Visit a local park or arboretum.