It seems that every spring people survey their homes and decide to take care of things they may have neglected during the winter – to clean out the junk. This would be great time to do the same for your health.
Winter is full of heavy clothing and near hibernation for many of us, and this winter took hibernation to a new level with the COVID lockdown. The combination of isolation and winter did not bode well for most of us when it comes to our health and wellness. So, now that spring has arrived, it’s time to take care of some things that may have been neglected over the winter.
Here are a few things you can do this spring to ensure a healthy year:
- Get your annual physical. So many people have not seen their primary care physician in a year on in some cases longer. Your annual checkup can give you a look at your health in terms of your numbers – Blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol levels, and BMI. It is important to know these numbers because getting and keeping them in a healthy range can prevent a myriad if diseases like heart disease, diabetes and certain cancers.
- Make and Keep all wellness appointments. In addition to your annual physical, be sure you are scheduling screenings like mammograms, all yearly exams for women, PSA tests for men, and colonoscopies for those who are over 50. These early detection screenings can save your life so don’t put them off!
- Move More! Movement is one of the best ways to get healthy. Moving more means walking during lunch, taking a yoga or boot camp class, or trying to prepare for a 5K. Consistently moving throughout your day can help you lose weight, gain energy, and promote overall health. The American Heart Association suggests 10,000 steps per day – that’s 5 miles every day. If you haven’t moved much this winter, it’s time to start!
- Eat more veggies. You have heard this since you were a small child, and it holds true for your entire life. Greens and other colorful vegetables can help lower cholesterol, blood pressure, blood sugar and BMI.
- Eat more fiber – Fiber is one of the best lines of defense against weight gain, elevated blood sugar, and digestive health. Experts recommend between 30 and 40 grams of fiber per day, and most Americans get less than 15. Adding legumes (beans, nuts and seeds), whole grains, and leavy greens to your meals can add the nutrient-dense foods you need to keep your body operating at its full potential.
- Drink water: Drinking water throughout your day is one way to help prevent weight gain and dehydration. Water with a bit of fruit-infused is fine, but sugary or even “diet” drinks should not take the place of 6 – 8 glasses of water every day. The health benefits of drinking water go far beyond quenching your thirst so make a plan to drink water, water, water!