Idea List. A Healthier You
nookiez (sxc.hu)
“Idea List: A Healthier You,” New Era, Nov 2006
Taking care of your body is good for both your physical and your spiritual health. Here are a few small things you can do regularly to improve your health.
- Instead of drinking a can of soda pop, have a glass of water, milk, or natural fruit juice.
- Go to bed at a reasonable hour (see D&C 88:124), and get at least eight hours of sleep if possible. Try to keep your sleeping times regular.
- Walk instead of driving to destinations that are reasonably close and safe. Walking just a mile or two a day can make a big difference. And take the stairs instead of the elevator or escalator when you can.
- Check the labels on the food you buy. Foods that may seem healthy aren’t always nutritious.
- Keep the Word of Wisdom, and stay away from any substances you know are addictive or dangerous.
- Substitute a fruit or vegetable for at least one less healthy treat a day.
- Participate in a sport. You don’t have to be on a school team. Just playing with friends or siblings is good exercise.
- Take time to relax. Evaluate the sources of stress in your life, and cut down on unnecessary stress.
- At least three times a week, replace one hour of television, Internet, or other form of sit-down entertainment with an hour of physical activity such as bike riding, basketball, or walking.
- When you eat at restaurants, choose menu items that will provide a balanced meal in a regular portion size.
- Exercise your brain by doing a crossword puzzle, reading the newspaper or a good book, or learning about something new.
- Don’t skip meals. Eating nutritious meals regularly keeps your body functioning the way it should.
- Skip the fad diets. Fad diets can range from totally useless to very harmful. Eating a balanced diet, like that suggested in the Word of Wisdom and in your country’s nutrition guidelines, will help you stay healthy.
- Take care of any specific health needs you have. If you have a special health concern, such as diabetes or some other risk factor, be sure to follow your doctor’s recommendations.