2011 is a great time to get started on the path to a healthier life! It all begins with you.Here are a few easy-to-achieve tips from our staff experts and our peers elsewhere in the country, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:
- Take action: Medical providers tell us what to do to improve our health, but sometimes we don’t follow through. Commit that 2011 is the year you will engage in healthier activities and behaviors.
- Stay healthy at any age: Prevent disease by getting certain health screening tests. Diseases found in the early stages are easier to treat and cure. Men and women require different screening tests that take into account family history and age.
- Update immunizations: Immunizations have eliminated small pox, virtually eliminated polio and dramatically reduced death and disability from many diseases. Kids need immunizations and so do adults. It’s not too late to get your flu or seasonal flu vaccination!
- Wash your hands: Proper hand washing is the single most important step you can take to protect your health.
- Eat healthier: Set goals you can accomplish. Eat breakfast every day and make a conscious effort to eat smaller portions. Get started by eating healthier foods.
- Rethink your drink: Choose water, diet or low-calorie beverages instead of sugar-sweetened beverages. Carry a water bottle and refill it throughout the day. Drink alcohol only in moderation and do not drive while drinking.
- Engage in physical activities: Find some fun, creative ways your friends and family can spend time being active. Start walking a few times per week for 20 minutes or take the stairs rather than the elevator; or start swimming, hiking or biking.
- Be tobacco-free: You’ll breathe better and cough less. You’ll have better senses of taste and smell. You’ll even save money! Call the Colorado QuitLine 800-QUITNOW for help.
- Prepare for emergencies: There are many kinds of emergencies – fires, thunderstorms – and this time of year, colder weather and snowstorms. Visit www.elpasocountyhealth.org for more information.
- Install carbon monoxide detectors: To protect yourself and your family from carbon monoxide poisoning, install battery-powered carbon monoxide detectors on each level of your home.
