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As doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and providers in Pediatrics and Neonatal Medicine we advise parents on the best ways to foster health and well being for their children and their family. As professionals in the medical field we often fall short in taking our own advice, which in the end affects our own health and our lives. We give parents brochures and pamphlets to supplement the conversations we have. It's called anticipatory guidance. As adults have access to information from a myriad of sources including books and magazines, resources online, and our associations. If anything we probably have an abundance of information with a lack of taking the next steps towards using the information to live our best life. This is true for our health, our wealth, and our overall well being.
Walk everyday for at least 20-30 Minutes and perform in a natural living environment is best. (Parks, fields, Gardens, Beach, etc) Please note the walk does not have to be a fast pace, for many people a leisurely stroll is exactly what the doctor ordered. Avoid the hyped up American and/or Western view that exercise should be intense and aimed at 'losing weight' 'burning calories' or 'building muscle' - while these exercise modalities are important they are NOT recommended if you are stressed out.
And so the first of my Healthy living advice Living Tips for you is: the only person who really knows what's best for you is you! Unfortunately most of us are not encouraged to trust and believe in ourselves. We tend to be very influenced by other people's opinions and many times, we follow advice that does not necessarily feel right. The reason we ignore that feeling is because we are taught to ask for advice and follow it.
Cycling. Dust off your bike this spring, and take a fun spin through your neighborhood or local park. The healthy ride will relax your mind and strengthen your body. Spring bike riding can inspire quite a sentimental feeling; you may not even realize you are exercising in the process! Cycling in a group can also be fun. Biking is a great, healthy way to challenge yourself to push beyond your personal exercise limits.
This is why I believe it is great to quiet and calm things down. Don't be afraid to juice fast for a few days. Try a "5-day high-fiber cleanse" to reconnect with your own health. Don't listen to your friends who will scream "starvation" and swear you are going to lose pounds of muscle. Muscle doesn't disappear overnight, and starvation is when you have NO food, not when you go on a modified fast that provides nutrients but gives you the ability to break out of a cycle of cravings and self-abuse that modern, processed foods create.
No. 5. It was once said by Hippocrates the father of Fun healthy habits modern medicine that, 'Walking Is Mans Best Medicine'. (I am sure he also meant Women - I certainly do) So if food is your medicine you eat, this must be the best medicine to perform. This is true because walking balances the whole system of mind and body.
Overall, healthy living isn't just about what you eat and how much you exercise; it's really about how much you enjoy your life. Take time to laugh and to smile. Take vacations and talk with loved ones. Remember that life is for living and enjoying - that alone will keep your body healthy.