With the holiday season in full swing and New Year’s resolutions around the corner, Capital Health Plan today urged area residents not to forget about their health during this season of celebration.
“While people are pausing to give gifts to one another, this is a perfect time to give yourself the gift of good health,” said Dr. Nancy Van Vessem, Chief Medical Officer, Capital Health Plan. “This is a season where people can choose to ‘Live Well’ and take a positive step toward enhancing, enriching and extending their lives.”
Here are Capital Health Plan’s Twelve Tips to Live Well through the holidays and all year long:
Get Up and Move Your Body: Make a daily commitment to get up and move – every bit counts. Walk the dog or chase the cat. Take the stairs instead of the elevator or escalator during a trip to the mall. Don’t hunt for a close parking space, choose the one further away from the entrance. Play tag with the kids. Anything that gets your body moving will help you live well and beat stress.
Declare War on Fatty Foods: Choose low fat versions of your favorite dairy products. Avoid fried foods. Watch the amount of nuts, luncheon meats, butter, mayonnaise and other high-fat foods you eat. Make a goal of adding more color to your plate by including more fruits and vegetables in your diet. And drink plenty of water.
Spread Meals Throughout the Day: Eat nutritious and satisfying mini-meals throughout the day to help control your appetite, rather than limiting yourself to one large meal in the evening. You’ll feel less hungry, have more energy and burn more calories by spreading out your food intake.
Think Clean: Always wash your hands before and after preparing food and using the restroom. Don’t leave dairy products and uncooked meat at room temperature for extended periods, and never defrost meats on countertops. Always clean countertops and cutting boards thoroughly with soap, disinfectant and hot water after contact with meat.
Conquer Stress: You can defeat stress by pampering yourself. Spend a half hour every day doing something you enjoy.
Stop Smoking: Make a commitment to give up smoking – one cigarette at a time.
Get a Flu Shot: Each year, between 35 and 50 million Americans catch the flu. Getting a flu shot is the single best decision you can make to reduce your risk of getting sick this holiday season.
Listen to Your Body: When a health complaint is bothering you, see a doctor as soon as possible. No matter the disease, early diagnosis is one of the most important factors in successful treatment. For example, don’t dismiss the warning signs of a heart attack as indigestion from holiday overeating. Chest pains or discomfort in the upper body, shortness of breath, nausea and unusual sweating are all serious signs of a possible heart attack.
Be Safety Conscious: Make sure your home is equipped with smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and check the batteries every six months. You should install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in the hallway near every sleeping area in your home.
If You Drink, Enjoy Alcohol in Moderation: Even though a drink a day can help protect you from heart disease, excessive drinking is dangerous to your health – and can lead to problems at work and at home. Limit yourself to two drinks interspersed with non-alcoholic beverages and food over a period of time. Whatever you do, do not drink and drive.
Put On Your Seat Belt: Seat belts are proven lifesavers – not only during the holidays but all year long. They help protect you from serious injuries should you get in a car accident.
Look On the Sunny Side: Keep a positive outlook on life and enjoy every day is a key to living well. It’s hard to stay angry or get stressed when you have a smile on your face.
Capital Health Plan, the area’s only local health plan, is an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. Capital Health Plan provides health care coverage for more than 113,000 people in Leon, Gadsden, Wakulla and Jefferson counties.