It’s important for all women to be empowered to make healthy choices. What are the things that we should focus on to ensure that we have the proper tools to get on track? What better gift to yourself than improving your quality of life with healthy routines?
This month, take the opportunity to take care of yourself and find the time to sit down with your doctor or health care provider to discuss ways to take control of your health. Some of the changes in routine that can help create healthy long-term effects include eating right, exercising, quitting smoking and getting the care necessary to stay healthy. Fortunately, there are many websites, apps and people to help you track and manage your health.
Diet
The journey to a healthier lifestyle begins with finding healthy food options.
With all the hustle and bustle, calories can easily rack up to more than you expected. As the rate of hypertension and diabetes continues to increase in the African American community, we must find healthier options that help decrease sugar and salt in foods. Another way to help create a healthy eating environment is to watch the portion sizes of meals and find an app that can help cut back on caloric intake.
With these small modifications, you can find over time your energy will increase and your weight loss goals will be met.
Heart
According to data from the Institute for Women’s Police Research, the biggest killer of women in the nation is heart disease. That means, 1 in 4 women dies from heart disease in the United States. Making the time to be your own advocate is a part of the change when taking charge of your health.
READ: How You React To Stress Could Put Your Heart At Risk
To protect your heart, it’s time you find any opportunity to get active, no matter where you are or what time of the day it is. The idea that working out means going to a gym and spending lots of time in a facility is all wrong. Making cardiovascular activity fun is part of experiencing new challenges. Changing the routine is the name of the game and it can start with walking the dog a little bit faster, taking a dance class or taking a brisk walk with a friend around the neighborhood for 20 minutes three times a week. Once you find ways to fit exercise in your life a routine will start to develop. Challenge the family to an activity together to keep family time healthy and happy.