Open Accessibility Menu
Hide
321-268-6111

Ways to Maintain a Healthy and Safe Lifestyle

Ways to Maintain a Healthy and Safe Lifestyle

Maintaining a safe and active lifestyle can go a long way when it comes to developing good health habits. Not only will you live longer, but you’ll also feel happier and good about yourself too! Here are some excellent ways you can be proactive in your healthcare and make these habits part of an ongoing healthy routine.

Understand Your Personal Health Risks

Both men and women may have separate health risks that can affect them. Knowing your family history and other factors that may impact your health can help you to remain proactive in preventing specific ailments and diseases. The following are the most common health risks for men and women.

Top Health Risks for Men

Top Health Risks for Women

There are many ways both genders can prevent the above diseases. Breastfeeding may reduce a woman’s risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer. Reducing dairy intake can help men decrease their risk of developing prostate cancer. Makinghealthy food choices can aid in preventing or slowing down osteoporosis as well as to stave off heart disease. Choosing non-processed foods and adding more fruits and vegetables to your diet has a multitude of health benefits for both men and women.

Exercise As a Family

It may be hard to find time to exercise and stay active as a family. Families that exercise together form a tighter bond and, children who exercise with their parents are more likely to keep positive health habits throughout their adult life. Here are some tips and ways families can develop good health and exercise habits together.

Walk Your Furry Pal

The family pet can be a great motivator to getting the family away from smartphones, video games, and binge-watching TV shows. Walking your dog can provide the following health benefits:

  • Maintain good blood pressure
  • Boost physical and mental health
  • Reduce the risk of weight gain
  • Reduce pain in joints and muscles
  • Lower risk of heart disease
  • Minimize the risk of diabetes

Make Yardwork Fun

Gardening and yard work can be an excellent way for the whole family to get moving. Here are some reasons to pull weeds and begin planting flowers today:

  • Elevates your mood
  • Relieves stress
  • Boosts cognitive skills
  • Can help to maintain a healthy weight

Put on Your Dancing Shoes

Dancing is a fun way to exercise. Just one half an hour of dancing can burn up to 400 calories! So, clear out space in the living room, play some upbeat music, and show off your moves!

Reducing Exposure to Harmful UV Rays

Although the sun provides a good source of Vitamin D and can uplift your mood, it’s essential to keep yourself protected from harmful UV Rays and sun damage. Here are some ways to reduce your exposure to the sun:

Exercise After Peak Sun Hours

While exercising outdoors is always fun, you’ll want to ensure that you avoid direct sun exposure between the hours of 10 am and 4 pm when the sun is strongest.

Know The Risks of Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is one of the most common types of cancer, and while some risk factors can be controlled, others cannot. Knowing the following risks can help youstay proactive in preventing skin cancer. Some uncontrollable risk factors include:

  • Fair-skinned individuals - people with lighter skin have less melanin in their skin, which makes them more vulnerable in developing skin cancer.
  • Gender .
  • Age - While you can develop skin cancer at any age, adults are more at risk due to prolonged exposure to the sun.

Changes You Can Make to Reduce Your Risk of Skin Cancer

Adopting the following habits can help you make positive choices when it comes to decreasing your chances of developing skin cancer:

  • Steer clear of tanning beds
  • Stay out of the sun during peak hours (10 am and 4 pm)
  • Apply sunscreen often, even on overcast days
  • Wear protective gear such as sunglasses and hats
  • Choose light and loose clothing as well as long sleeves whenever possible
  • Know the ABCDEs of skin cancer and conduct a self-examination from head-to-toe every four weeks.
  • Get regular skin screenings with your doctor
  • Quit smoking

Stay Hydrated

Drinking plenty of water, whether in the sun or not is essential to optimal health. Without regular hydration sustaining good health can be challenging — not to mention, dehydration can cause a multitude of health problems such as urinary and kidney issues. Warning signs of dehydration may include the following that could be mild to severe:

  • Dry mouth
  • Infrequent urination
  • Dark yellow urine
  • Dry skin
  • Headaches
  • Muscle cramps
  • Dizziness
  • Rapid heartbeat and/or breathing
  • Low energy
  • Sleepiness
  • Feelings of confusion
  • Irritability
  • Fainting

How to Stay Hydrated

It’s easy to forget your daily intake of H20; however, here are some tips and habits that can help you stay the hydration course:

  • Avoid sugary beverages such as energy drinks, sodas as well as fruit and vegetable juices
  • Limit alcohol
  • Drink water during workouts as well as before and after exercising
  • Don’t mistake hunger for thirst and drink water when you feel hungry
  • Snack on hydrating foods such as watermelon, grapes, cucumbers, and celery
  • Keep a filled water bottle with you at work and on the go
  • Have a glass of water as soon as you wake up and before you go to bed
  • Drink water with every meal

Staying active can help reduce your risk of cancer, increase heart health, and has many other health benefits. To learn more about leading a healthy, safe, and active lifestyle, our blog has an abundance of helpful health tips and information. If you are interested in learning more about how you and your family can stay healthy, take a health risk assessment test at parrishhealthcare.com/behealthaware.