MAINTAIN A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE FOR THE NEW YEAR

Start the New Year with a goal of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. There are some
basic things that we can do to take care of our health. Getting enough sleep can make a remarkable difference in our everyday productivity. "Early to bed and early to rise makes a person healthy, wealthy and wise" is not just an old cliché. Eating green leafy vegetables, eating fruits and sticking to the food groups on the food pyramid is most helpful.

As a family activity, with a friend or just solo, we can do some deep breathing exercises, some morning stretching and some dancing to music for fifteen minutes a day. These kind of activities help maintain one's blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Also it is important to drink plenty of water. Vitamins, minerals and herbal supplements are good, but check with your primary care provider before you begin taking supplements.
Mental health is also just as important. Many of us experience emotional stress as we go about our daily routine of raising children, grandchildren, caring for elders and managing households and careers. It can be challenging finding time to balance out everything and practice self care. Find a quiet room for prayer or meditation. Write healthy messages on slips of paper and put them in various locations throughout the home.

For other health motivation tips, contact Healthy and Divine Inspirations at Mrsrashida@aol.com or call (413) 734-3731 and ask for Sheila. Healthy and Divine Inspirations is a family business specializing in greeting cards and T- shirts that have healthy and divine messages. There is a story behind each art image. Sheila Marshall has worked in the area of education and human services for over 25 years and has been a guest on the Health Matters radio talk show. n