The Health Corner: Tips to stay healthy

Fall is here Macedonia!  The Macedonia Health Ministry encourages you to make your best effort to stay healthy as the season changes. Here are a few focus areas that may be helpful to you

Exercise and Healthy Eating

·          Fall is the perfect season to spend time outdoors catching up on needed yard work; pulling up dead weeds/plants and raking leaves. Push mowing is an effective way to get exercise while mulching away fallen leaves and patchy grass.

·         Brisk walking for 20min(approx 1 mile) or a 10-15min jog can help burn up to 100 calories. Make weekly goals- wake up 20min earlier in the morning, take comfortable shoes and walk during lunch-break or take an evening stroll with a loved one after dinner. *Excellent way to spend downtime with the spouse and/or kids at the end of the day!

It is especially easy to put on the extra pounds during the holiday months. Plan ahead to eliminate the guilt and discomfort of overeating.

·         Paced meals trigger the bodies fullness hormones. Try drinking a tall glass of water before each meal. Set a timer and stretch mealtimes to 20min. *You’d be amazed to know that many of us complete a meal in 5min!!!

·         Homemade soups and stews make great fall meals and are quick and easy to prepare. Pull out the crock pot!

·         Pay close attention to the amount of soda you and your family consume. 1 8oz can of (non-diet) soda contains at least 8tsp of sugar (place 8tsp of sugar in a bowl and take a mental picture).

Asthmatics 

October, November and December are peak months for asthma, specifically in children. Get your medication refills NOW and use as recommended by your care provider. Attend to signs and symptoms immediately and avoid obvious triggers(allergens-pet hair, dust, smoke, etc)! Uncontrollable coughing/difficulty catching your breath, shortness of breath, wheezing, tightened neck and chest muscles/retractions, anxiety… warrant urgent attention! Do not hesitate to call emergency. Monitor your children and teenager’s asthma closely!!!

Lastly, but not least… The Flu Shot

The flu vaccine is now available. Call your doctors office or local pharmacy to schedule an appointment. The 2010-2011 Flu vaccine protects against the 2009 H1N1 and seasonal flu.

Wallgreen’s 1-800-925-4733 CVS 1-800-746-7287

Wash hands frequently with soap and water. Hand sanitizer is a good option, when soap and water not available. Remember to cover your cough!

Praying for a healthy YOU, God Bless!

Brought to you by the Macedonia Baptist Church Health Ministry