We live in a complex age, but most doctors, nutritionists and health experts agree that the keys to living a long and healthy life are fairly simple and obvious. The problem is that, while simple and obvious, these “secrets” usually require an investment of time and effort, and they don’t yield the kind of immediate satisfaction that bad (and fun) things so often do. Even so, if your goal is to live a happy, healthy and satisfying life, there are 10 things that should be part of your daily routine:
1) A Balanced Diet. Yes, good health starts with good nutrition. Just like you’ve been hearing for years, you need to eats lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, choose lean meats like fish and chicken, limit red meats like beef and pork, make sure your breads are whole grain, and cut back on the starches and sweets.
2) Exercise. Thirty minutes to an hour of moderate exercise like speed walking is critical. But so is getting off your butt during the day. Recent research has shown that sitting in a chair for two hours straight can be just as bad for the heart as smoking a pack of cigarettes.
3) A Smoke-Free Life. And speaking of cigarettes, one of the best ways to add many productive years to your life is to avoid tobacco in all its forms, including second-hand smoke. In case you haven’t heard, cigarettes will kill you.
4) Alcohol. Conversely, that other favorite sin — alcohol — has been shown to have many beneficial effects, but only when used in moderation. Many doctors now recommend that patients enjoy a glass of wine or single drink in the evening, especially with a meal, to promote cardiovascular health. (Red wine is particularly potent in this department.)
5) Sleep. More and more research is demonstrating how important sleep is to health and longevity. You should be getting 6.5 to eight hours per night. Conversely, more than nine hours of sleep per night can be as harmful as too little, so avoid too much “sleeping in,” even on weekends.
6) Sex. Yes, it’s good for you, physically and psychologically — as long as you’ve taken common sense steps to avoid sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) — and you keep it off the Internet.
7) Friends. A strong and active social network is known to promote good health and extend one’s years. And this doesn’t include “virtual” friends and interactions. For some strange reason, nature prefers that social interaction be performed face-to-face.
8) Hobbies. Busy hands are happy hands. Finding something you like and throwing yourself into it can give your life purpose and add significantly to physical and mental well-being.
9) Faith. Yes, studies have shown that religion is also a life extender, especially when practiced with others. (There’s that social thing again.)
10) Awareness. Pay attention to your body and what it’s telling you. That weird mole on your back? Have it checked out. That cough that won’t go away? Time to see the doctor. In fact, regularly check-ups are as important to maintaining good health as regular tune-ups are for extending the life of your car.
Interested in Being a Health, Fitness and Nutrition Consultant?
If the field of health and fitness interests you, and you enjoy helping others, you might want to consider becoming a professional health, fitness and nutrition consultant. You can get the training you need to qualify for entry-level positions in this field at the Sudbury campus of Everest College of Business, Technology and Health Care.
At its Sudbury campus, Everest offers a Health, Fitness and Nutrition Consultant career education program that can be completed in as little as 11 months. Upon graduation, Everest’s Career Services representatives can help you transition to your new career by providing support with job hunting, resume preparation and other important business skills.
For information about Everest’s Health, Fitness and Nutrition Consultant career education program, contact Everest today.
Financial assistance may be available for those who qualify.
