The Cardiologist's Wife

Midyear Health Check

[ Post by Lisa Tedder ][ Post on August 29, 2013 ][ In Medical and Health Information ]

Summer is winding down , the year is more than half way over and our January resolutions are long forgotten.  It’s time for a health reality check.  First of all, how is your health lately?  If you have enjoyed good health, are you thankful?  Take some time to appreciate how wonderful it feels to be healthy, for your family to enjoy the benefits of good health.  When we feel good, we have more energy, we are better able to tackle our work and daily chores, we are happier and more active.  Nothing holds us back from the things we want to do.

If you have suffered some sort of injury over the summer like me, have you done everything you could to speed your recovery?  Did you follow the doctor’s orders, participate in physical therapy and rest enough?  I hope you have experienced a quick recovery as I have.  Though it was hard at times, I rested and avoided certain activities so my back could heal.  Except for swimming, I quit exercising and I gave up some of my usual household chores.  Thankfully, my back seems to be almost normal and I have very little pain.  I am easing into a workout routine though swimming is still the main exercise I get.

 

What about those New Year’s resolutions you made back in January, the ones about eating better and getting more exercise?  Did you fall off the band wagon?  If so, there is no reason to give up totally and wait until next January to try again.  Your health is precious and something you should take as much care of as you would your car, your home, your money and anything else you value.  As hard as my husband or any other doctor works, they often cannot fix what you wrecked through your own carelessness.  There is no excuse for smoking and I hope none of my readers have that problem.  Do what it takes to give it up NOW.  You’ll have more money as well as feel better.

 

If you haven’t gotten off the couch in weeks, start today.  This has been the coolest summer I can remember so there is really no excuse not to go for a short walk in the evenings.  Aim for 15 minutes, three times a week to begin.  Add to that every week until you are walking 30 minutes 4 to 5 times a week.  It’s the least you can do for yourself and the cheapest exercise around.  Walking will give you results; you will get more fit and even a bit leaner over time.

 

As for eating, you can incorporate more fruits and vegetables in your daily diet.  It’s not to late to enjoy the last of summer’s bounty; go to the Farmer’s Market this weekend.  Try to eat at least 3 servings of fruits or vegetables each day.  We should eat more, but aim for three as that would be a huge improvement for most Americans.  A good rule to follow is that a serving of vegetables equals 1 cup.  A serving of salad greens is two cups.  Some fruit like apples, bananas, kiwi or oranges equals one serving.  Eat a banana at breakfast, a salad for lunch or dinner and you have two or more servings eaten.  Don’t forget to drink water each day to stay hydrated.

 

Last, get more sleep.  Sleep is more important to your overall health than most people realize and Americans are chronically sleep deprived.  To give you some motivation, here are the top three reasons to take care of yourself.

1.  Your children need you.  They need your guidance, support and love.  Be there for them.

2.  Your spouse needs you.  He or she needs your love and support.  Don’t become a burden to your family because of your poor health.

3.  You!  Take care of yourself simply for selfish reasons.  You deserve to feel good each and every day.  It’s your life, live it.

Upadated on August 29, 2013