Spring has sprung and it's time to start thinking about our health and lifestyle this season. Set goals, stick to them, and treat your body right! Here are some simple tips to getting and staying healthy this spring:
1.Set a Goal: Whether it's a weight loss goal, a fitness goal, or a goal to meet a work deadline, set out to accomplish it this season! Start by writing out a step by step process on how you're going to accomplish it. Make a small goal for every week this season and reward yourself at the end of the week for sticking to it!
2.Get Outside: Head outside for an evening walk or run every day for at least 30 minutes. You'll reap the benefits of nature's vitamin D as well as the heart-healthy benefits of moving!
3.Think About Your Allergies: If you know you are prone to sniffles and sneezes when the flowers bloom and the weather warms up, stock up on allergy medications and keep them handy at all times. See your doctor if you take nasal steroids or other prescription-only drugs.
4.Spring Clean Your Makeup Drawer: Makeup expires, if you didn't know. It usually takes about 6 months for a makeup product to expire (consult the manufacturer's website first). Toss out old tubes of mascara and eyeliner, along with any other product that could be harmful to your eyes after its date of expiration.
5.Take Advantage of the Morning Light: A recent study published in the American Psychological Association journal, found that people who wake up earlier are generally happier and healthier than those who snooze in the morning. Take advantage of the morning light and head out for a run or walk in the morning.
6.Think Local: Eat organic, farmer's market fruits and veggies to not only support your local community but to get fresh and whole foods into your family's diet!
7.Get Moving During the Day: It's hard for most of us to get some exercise and get away from our desks in the middle of the day but it's definitely important! A recent study from the National Center for Biotechnology Information's Pub Med found that your risk of heart disease increased by up to 46% when you sit down for more than six hours a day. The study also found that you are at a higher risk of certain types of cancers. So take a 20-30 minute walk outside during your lunch hour and be sure to get up a move around at least every hour during the day!
8.Protect Yourself From the Sun: Don't forget about sunscreen! Although getting a little sun can have some benefits, excessive and unprotected exposure can result in premature aging, changes in skin texture, and skin cancer. Always wear sunscreen with at least SPF 15 when out catching some rays and wear sunglasses that provide 100 UV ray protection.
9.Quit Smoking: If you're a smoker, make it a goal to quit this spring! Smoking accounts for 20% of heart disease deaths in the U.S., but just 1 year after having quit smoking, you risk of heart disease is lowered by 50% compared to when you were smoking. Find out what happens to your body after 15 years of having quit smoking!
10.Plan a Family Trip: A summer trip may be in order for your family! Plan one this spring and make sure your family gets all and any vaccinations needed for the trip. Schedule an appointment with your physician to talk about what vaccines your family might need and when to get them.