Staying Healthy Tips – For New Year 2011

Wash your hands. Communicable diseases hitch rides on hands to your nose, mouth or the food you prepare.

Hand sanitizers are a good alternative when hand washing is not possible. Use tissues or an elbow to cover a cough or sneeze.

To maintain a healthy weight, balance calories eaten with calories burned during physical activities.

Eat a varied diet that is high in fruits and vegetables, lean protein and whole grains, but low in sugars and saturated fats.

Watch portion sizes and limit sugary or alcoholic beverages.

Activity helps your heart and builds muscle and bones, while reducing fat storage.

Physical activity improves strength, balance, mood, posture and sleep, and it even reduces risk of injury.

Walking just two miles a day increases life expectancy. Increase your fitness level with a variety of activities, especially those you enjoy and can do on a regular basis.

Encourage children to play.

They need two hours of activity daily to be healthy, and active play is the best way.

Don't smoke or spend time in smoky air.

Tobacco and secondhand smoke are the leading causes of premature death, mainly from heart disease and cancer.

Tobacco smoke makes Kids sick with respiratory problems and ear infections, and it can be lethal to infants.

Don't allow smoking indoors, in cars or around children.

Quitting smoking improves quality and length of life. If you smoke, quit. If you can't do it alone, get help.