Spring Cleaning Your Health Habits April 2018 |
Start by adding, not subtracting. When you take stock of your health
habits, do you focus on all the things you need to give up? It could be that
nightly bowl of Rocky Road or binge watching your favorite TV series—every
day. It’s tough to give up some of your favorite things. Will you feel less
deprived if you first add some healthy habits? Try ideas like this:
• Add a vegetable or fruit serving to every meal. To keep things
interesting, try for a variety of colors, textures, and flavors. Choose local,
organic, in-season produce whenever possible. Soon, local farmers’ markets
will be overflowing with bounty…. Berries and broccoli and beans—oh my!
• Add a new activity, something you really enjoy, like dancing. It’s easy,
free, and available right in your own kitchen or living room. And the kids (or
grandkids) can join in on the fun.
• Add an educational show to your menu of viewing choices. Maybe it’s a
documentary or something featured on PBS or the Discovery Channel, for
example. Make it a weekly viewing party. You’ll create a social outlet and
increase engaging conversation—great for your mind and emotional health.1
Now, you can take a look at that list of habits to axe! Maybe its too much
sugar or hefty portions of food.2 Could you start by getting rid of sugary
drinks or by using smaller plates to help manage portion sizes?3,4
Take it outside. It’s spring. Take advantage of nicer weather and get
outside.
Researchers are increasingly finding health benefits of getting into nature—
like lowering blood pressure and stress and boosting the immune system.1
Speaking of nature, spring is also a great time to plant a vegetable garden.
When you harvest your own food and find creative ways to prepare it, you
may find it easier and easier to eat enough veggies.
With extra time outside, it might also be a good time to replace your worn-out
walking or running shoes. Over time, they lose their cushioning effect, which
may increase the chance of chronic foot pain. Don’t rely on a glance at the
treads to know when to pitch them. If you walk up to an hour, three times a
week, get a new pair of walking shoes every five months—sooner if you walk
more.1,5
Clean out your meds. As long as we’re on the subject of spring cleaning,
why not do at least a little actual spring cleaning? April 28 is National
Prescription Drug Take Back Day. It focuses on providing safe, responsible,
and convenient ways to dispose of medicines. Check here for collection sites
near you. If you have any questions about when and how to get rid of your
medicines, you know can always talk it over with me.1
Nothing herein constitutes medical advice, diagnosis or treatment, or is a substitute for professional
advice. You should always seek the advice of your physician or other medical professional if you
have questions or concerns about a medical condition.
Sources:
1. Prevention: “12 Simple Ways to Spring Clean Your Health.” Available at: https://www.
prevention.com/health/12-spring-updates-for-your-health-routine Accessed 3-1-18.
2. Self: “8 Small, Easy Ways to Spring Clean Your Eating Habits.” Available at: https:
//www.self.com/story/spring-clean-eating-habits Accessed 3-1-18.
3. U.S.News & World Report: “6 Ways to Spring Clean Your Health.” Available at: https:
//health.usnews.com/health-news/blogs/eat-run/2014/04/04/6-ways-to-spring-clean-your-
health Accessed 3-1-18.
4. Best Health: “7 Smart Ways to Spring Clean Your Eating Habits.” Available at: http:
//www.besthealthmag.ca/best-eats/healthy-eating/7-ways-to-spring-clean-your-eating-
habits/view-all/ Accessed 3-1-18.
5. Prevention: “When to Get New Shoes.” Available at: https://www.prevention.
com/fitness/fitness-tips/when-should-you-replace-walking-shoes Accessed 3-1-18.
Between the urge to hibernate
and going off the rails with
holiday goodies—winter can
wreak havoc with your health
habits. But spring, yes, spring
brings the promise of
something new! Here are some
ideas to help you spring clean
your health. I’ll bet you can
think of more.
and going off the rails with
holiday goodies—winter can
wreak havoc with your health
habits. But spring, yes, spring
brings the promise of
something new! Here are some
ideas to help you spring clean
your health. I’ll bet you can
think of more.
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