Healthy Habits for a Healthy Life

RENEW Healthy Habits FOR A by Optima Medical Clinical Team HEALTHY LIFE

Sedentary lifestyles, stress and roundthe-clock availability of fatty foods cause people to gain weight and develop preventable diseases that cross the threshold of being healthy. According to estimates by the CDC, approximately two-thirds of Americans suffer from obesity.

Obesity is a progressing disease that damages the body from the inside and impacts multiple systems, affecting the overall quality of life and putting people at risk for more dangerous illnesses.

Often in the quest for a healthier, happier lifestyle, people take shortcuts and end up suffering unwanted consequences that could have been avoided with a bit of discipline, motivation and the formation of healthy habits. Five low-risk lifestyle habits are critical for a longer life expectancy:

1.Weight management — It is important to understand and identify eating patterns and triggers to make educated decisions regarding overall health alongside health providers.

Gaining control of one’s diet and paying close attention to food consumption will help avoid the risk for conditions like heart disease, diabetes, depression and even cancer.

2.Maintaining physical activity — Aiming for at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity daily should be top of mind. Engaging in such activities as walking, jogging or yoga can significantly improve heart health, reduce stress and boost one’s mood.

3.Avoid smoking — Tobacco is extremely detrimental to one’s health and opens the door to preventable diseases and premature deaths.

4.Reduce or cease alcohol intake — Alcohol use is directly linked to degenerative diseases and prevents the absorption of vitamins and minerals, key components necessary for a healthy diet.

According to a study by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, chronic drinkers exhibit signs of malnutrition and lack proteins. 5.Prioritize sleep — Getting seven to nine hours of sleep is essential for well-being. This gives the brain the opportunity to restore nerve networks and promote full functionality when awake.

Common effects of sleep depravation are fatigue, lack of focus and drowsiness which can lead to long-term effects and even brain disorders.

The key to improving health and well-being is having consistency and the desire to make safe, educated decisions on track with one’s desired lifestyle.

While building new healthy habits can take some time, being proactive and making smart, key decisions add up over time and build a foundation for long-term success. As always, consult a health care provider for treatment plans.