WAYS TO STAY HEALTHY

Ways to Stay Healthy Right Now

With Debra Pardee

We are now entering the flu season and are still in the midst of grappling with the COVID-19 pandemic. Being healthy has never been more important. The good news is that keeping our immune system working as effectively as it can does not have to be scary, overwhelming or expensive.

Studies have identified action steps we can take to maintain our health. These measures include the following: n Eat clean. This means eating more veggies and fruits, and if possible, eating organic and/or local. n Be careful with grains. My recommendation is gluten-free. Substitute quinoa, oats, brown rice and other exotic carbs. n Consume high-quality proteins. n Stay hydrated. n Eat good-quality fats, such as coconut, olive, avocado and fish oil. n Limit sugar intake. In 1700, we ate about 4 pounds a year; now it is 134 pounds. n Exercise. Our bodies are designed to move. We don’t have to go to a gym to get moving; exercising can be as simple as walking around the house, dancing or lifting soup cans. n Take supplements. Ask a qualified, knowledgeable person for help. Most of us do not get the correct amounts, sources and variety, and everyone has different needs. The consensus is that vitamin D, vitamin C, magnesium, zinc and vitamin B complex can be very beneficial right now. n Breathe. Inhale to a count of four, hold for a count of four, exhale for a count of four. Do this four times a day. n Sleep seven to nine hours a night. Also go to sleep before 10 p.m., as this helps the brain “download”—sort and put the information in the right part of our brain. n Keep a dream journal. Write your dreams down; your brain is trying to tell you what is bothering you. n Plan your next year or what you are going to do a year from now. Make it fun or silly, like going up in a hot air balloon or riding a camel. n Donate. It makes our heart happy. n Practice gratitude. It releases feel-good chemicals. n Interview a family member or friend, and write his or her story. n Learn something new. The internet makes it easy. n Look at nature. At the very least get a house plant and name it. n Laugh, giggle, smile. It makes us feel good, and smile muscles keep us looking young. n Try chiropractic and massage. They have been shown to help boost the immune system. n Try acupuncture. I am an acupuncture physician licensed by the state of Florida. There are approximately 2,000 of us in the state. Acupuncture has helped people for more than 3,000 years. It builds up the immune system and helps with emotions also.

I have a special protocol I developed years ago. It helps identify and alleviate the symptoms of allergies and sensitivities. It is simple, inexpensive and painless. I have treated more than 6,000 patients with excellent, long-lasting results. It is called AcuSET. When your body is not struggling to fight allergies and sensitivity symptoms, like sinus problems; a runny nose; itchy, watery eyes; or skin rashes, it can help protect your health.

It is vitally important to stay healthy. It is our responsibility to take care of ourselves and our loved ones. Make the decision now to make some changes. It is your life; make it the best one you can have.

Debra Pardee is a Diplomate of Acupuncture (NCCAOM) and owns a clinic in DeLand (2235 S. Woodland Blvd., Ste. 104) that offers acupuncture, acupressure, moxibustion, Chinese herbs, Bach flower remedies, electroacupuncture, and lifestyle and nutritional counseling. For more information, call 386-734-4126 or visit AcuDebra.com. See ad below.