6 / 8
6
q
SPRING
FWD
i
A GREAT TIME TO MAKE HEALTHY CHANGES
MANY
of us launch the new year
with resolutions to improve our-
selves. Those resolutions often fizzle
in a few weeks or months. But that
doesn’t mean you have to wait until
next January to get a fresh start.
The beginning of daylight saving
time, with brighter, warmer days, is
a great time to make a fresh start.
Spring into better health with one of
these bright ideas.
Give your kitchen a makeover.
Take time to say out with the old
and unhealthy and in with fresh,
new food options. You can get some
spring cleaning in at the same time.
First, go through the fridge and
pantry. Start by discarding anything
that’s spoiled or expired. Next, take
stock of sugary or salty foods, and toss
most of them. You might keep one or
two of your favorite snacks, though,
for an occasional indulgence.
Finally, do a little menu planning.
What does your family enjoy? What
types of colorful produce are in season?
Plan simple, nutritious meals, and
then go shopping to stock your
newly cleared kitchen.
Optimize those ZZZs.
When
it comes to sleep, both quality and
quantity count. If you’re dragging
through your days, take a look at
your sleep habits. It might help to:
w
w
Create a cozy, relaxing sleep envi-
ronment. Think quiet, dark and cool.
w
w
Put electronics to sleep early. The
type of light emitted from laptops and
other screens can stimulate the brain,
making it difficult to fall asleep.
w
w
Find a soothing bedtime ritual,
like reading a book, taking a bath or
listening to quiet music.
If you have ongoing sleep prob-
lems, talk to your doctor.
Commit to fit.
Let longer days
and the improving weather beckon
you to get out and moving. It’s time
to enjoy long walks on balmy spring
days, for example, or dig into yard-
work and gardening.
Being active can boost mood and
ease anxiety. It can also lower blood
pressure, improve cholesterol levels
and help you sleep better. The list
goes on and on.
And exercise doesn’t have to be a
chore—you’re more likely to stick
with it when it’s fun. Check your local
recreation center for a sports league
to join. Head to a local park that has
volleyball nets or horseshoe pits set
up. Or train for a 5K walk or run.
Sun-proof your skin.
While it’s
not summer yet, protecting skin is a
year-round endeavor. Let the brighter
days of spring be a reminder to step
up your game. Cover up with long
sleeves, long pants, sunglasses and
a brimmed hat. And use sunscreen
when you’ll be outside. Remember,
damaging UV rays can reach you
even on gray, overcast days.
Need a physician?
Check
out our website at
pchmo.org.
Sources: American Heart Association; American Institute for Cancer
Research; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; National Heart,
Lung, and Blood Institute; National Sleep Foundation