Spring Cleaning Your Health: Is it time for a fresh start?

Have you ever thought that your health may need a spring cleaning too?  Have you developed unhealthy habits that need a reset?  Adopting these everyday health tips can help you “clean up” bad habits and set you on the right path.

Don’t neglect check-ups

One of the best ways to catch troubling (or positive) trends in your health is to make sure and see your primary care doctor on a regular basis, especially if you already have an ongoing health concern.  Routine lab work and screening tests are critical to know what’s going on inside your body and catch disease early, when it’s most treatable.

Up your H20

How much water you drink can directly impact your physical health.  Hydration affects all  functions in your body, including your mental performance.  Experts recommend drinking at least half of your body weight in water ounces per day.  For example, a 200-pound man should drink at least 100 ounces of water.  Add additional ounces if doing physical activity.  Swap sugary drinks and juices for water.  Add lemon or lime for flavor.

Get outside

With our comfortable homes and big screen TV’s, it’s easier than ever to spend too much time indoors.  Set aside time each day to get some sunshine and fresh air.  Whether for relaxation, or for a walk or work-out, getting outside can help relieve stress and provide an important dose of Vitamin D. It’s good for body and soul.

Get moving

According to experts, our sedentary lifestyles are ruining our health in more ways than one. The American Heart Association says to strive for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity every week and muscle-strengthening activities at least two days per week.  Count your steps, and work up to at least 10,000 per day.  Check with your doctor before starting an exercise routine.

Limit your alcohol

Over time, excessive alcohol use can lead to the development of chronic diseases and other serious problems including high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, liver disease, digestive problems, and certain cancers.  The best option is to avoid alcohol completely.  If you drink alcohol, keep in mind that according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “moderate” drinking is considered two drinks per day for men and one drink per day for women.

Eat your veggies!

The fiber found in fruits and vegetables can act as a natural cleanse for your body, helping bowel regularity and weight management.  Vegetables can help fight inflammation in the body, improve blood pressure, reduce the risk of heart disease, blood sugar, and the risk of certain cancers.  Current recommendations are to eat at least five servings of fruits and vegetables per day, excluding starchy vegetables.

Get your Zzzzz’s

Sleep is essential for overall health.  It’s the body’s time to recharge and reset for the next day.  The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend adults get at least seven hours of sleep per night.  If you’re not getting that amount of shut-eye, it’s time to revamp your sleep routine and prioritize rest.

Imagine how great you might start to feel if you began spring cleaning your health routine and  incorporating these small changes!