October is Health Literacy Month, and the theme is to “Be a Health Literacy Hero.” It’s about taking action and finding ways to improve health communication.
Here are some simple and easy ways to living a healthier life, not only in October but year round:
Exercise
Exercising is a great way to get healthier and control your body weight. It is also good for your heart and relieves stress. Consider joining a gym or partaking in a group exercise class. You can even do exercises at home such as yoga with a yoga mat, stretching, pushups, or jumping jacks.
Diet
Get at least five servings of fruits and vegetables a day, and avoid trans fats entirely. The American Heart Association recommends eating foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, trout, or mackerel, twice weekly.
Smoking
Smoking can cause heart disease, osteoporosis, emphysema and other chronic lung problems, and stroke. The good news is, if you quit smoking now, you can reverse the damage of smoking. Your risk for heart disease, stroke, and other conditions will drop. If you are trying to quit smoking, tell your family and friends for support, and consider taking medications such as a Nicotine patch to help you quit smoking. Remember that every smoker can quit, you just need the willpower.