The on-going battles in congress and the continual news of how everything is falling or about to fall apart is taking its toll. Some new healthy approaches are needed.
In spite of what
congress does or doesn’t do about saving the American Care Act or cutting
funding to states for programs like Meals on Wheels, there is a lot that can be
done to reduce risks, improve how we feel and save money by making “healthy
choices the easy choices.”
” We spend 90 percent of our time in
the same places, and that environment dictates how easy it is to make healthy
choices, or how difficult. By using the Power 9®, the nine secrets of
longevity, to improve where we live, work, learn, and play, we make it easier
to get up and move, eat healthy, make new friends, find a reason for being—and
live longer, better. Blue Zones Project
I’ve written about
the Blue Zones-the places on the planet where people live the longest- in
various posts over the years and have been closely following what happens when
these principles are introduced into American communities. If there ever was a
time for those affected by chronic conditions to adopt the “power 9”
now is the time to do it. Not only will you feel better, you can actually save
money. It's important to note that studies, which have nothing to do with the Blue Zones projects, support one or all aspects of the Power 9.
Consider the
following:
End Smoking: Yes, this is an addiction but most states have considerable funds to
help people stop smoking and some will even pay you to switch to “vaping.”
Contact your local health department about free programs and supplies. Keep in
mind that if you have a pack a day habit, by quitting, you’ll be saving yourself over $3,000
a year in addition to all the health benefits. If you don’t smoke but live with
someone who does, urge and support them to join a "smoke enders" program as
second hand smoke posses a very real health threat to you and everyone else in
the home.
Move: Walking for as little as 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week, can make major
improvements in health. Using a fitness tracking devise can help remind you to
move and reduce sedentary behavior. Smart phones contain an activity
tracker-look for the app with the heart on it-so you don’t have to go out and
buy one. You don’t need a Fitbit or smart phone as pedometers are still on the market
and considerably cheaper. There are lots of ways to include movement into your
day from walking or bicycling to work or to run errands, to housecleaning at
night between TV commercials. If you can’t
walk swimming and cycling are excellent options. Keep in mind you don’t have to
do everything at once. Doing something for 10 minutes or less at a time is
fine. The key is to keep moving throughout your day. 
Eating: Move towards a “plant slant” diet and away from pre packaged and fast
foods that contain empty calories. Check out recipes from the Blue Zones
project.
Select restaurants that offer healthy options.
Connect: Having people in your life to do things with is critical. Humans are
social creatures and we need to connect with others. This is a key component to
building “social capital” so that you have people to help out when you need it
most and in turn, your helping others will give you a strong sense of purpose.
For more on this topic check out:
• Is a Chronic Condition Making you Less Social?
Have Meaning & Purpose: Just as having connections with family,
friends and peers is important to our well being, so is having a sense of
meaning and purpose to our lives. If you are looking for a project, consider
how you can bring healthier choices into your community, support group, family
or work place. Who can you recruit to help you with some of these ideas.
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