Ask Dr. Nancy - Free & Low Cost Ways to Get Healthy
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Q: I want to get healthy . . . if it’s free or low cost! Any suggestions?
The answers are more plentiful than you may expect. The rest is up to you! Here are a few simple suggestions that will make a difference in your life.
Walk.
It’s the easiest, best free exercise of all. Just don’t set unrealistic goals. Start with even 10 or 15 minutes at a time, and work up to 30 minutes five days a week. Rainy day? Walk in the mall. You’ll quickly feel the mood and energy boost of walking. (Also consider a fitness center, now more affordable with a CHP $150 membership reimbursement. See page 3 for details!)
Control portion size.
If you’re not ready to change your diet drastically, begin by reducing amounts—and eat more slowly. Using smaller plates and bowls at home is a good trick. They’ll look full, and you’ll discover you still feel full with less food. Most meals cooked at home are cheaper and have fewer calories than restaurant meals. If you have leftovers, freeze them for later rather than grazing on them after hours. Avoid eating anything two to three hours before going to bed. In addition to avoiding acid reflux (heart burn), studies show eating fewer calories later in the day promotes less storage of those calories as fat.
Stop buying and eating junk food.
Break away from this unhealthy American pastime. Most fast food restaurants have healthy choices now. Make the healthy choice.
Laugh.
I’m serious. A good belly laugh actually has healthful physiological effects (also smiles and chuckles). Stress and worry can cause illness. So be open to looking on the light side, watch and read comedies, and seek out people with a good sense of humor. The doctor says: yuck it up.
Take our new online Health Survey.
This great tool yields personal health help. You answer questions that take 15–20 minutes and then receive an individualized (and updateable) report. The survey also creates forms that you can take to doctors’ visits, lets you set and track health goals, and generates a tailor-made list of information resources. The Health Survey is a terrific way to map the “big picture” of your health and decide personal goals. Do you want to lose 20 pounds, improve your strength and balance, or reduce the medications you take? CHP can help! Try this and other online services and don’t forget our 24-hour Health Coaching phone line (850-383-3400). We also have health classes and support groups through our Health Promotions department (850-383-3511) and their community partners. Live well. It’s your choice!
To Access the Health Survey
- Click on Members tab.
- Click CHP Health Coaching.
- Log on with your user ID and password (or register, if you are a first-time user).
- Click Health Tools.
- Click Health Survey.
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