Take Steps Toward a Healthier Lifestyle
(firmenpresse) - MISSION, KS -- (Marketwire) -- 04/02/12 -- (Family Features) For many, taking the first step toward healthy living can seem overwhelming. But eating more fruits and vegetables, taking walks, washing your hands, and improving the well-being of your community are all easy ways to become a bit healthier.
In fact, according to the American Public Health Association (APHA), nearly 1 million Americans die each year from diseases that can be prevented by living a healthier lifestyle. Each April, APHA celebrates National Public Health Week (NPHW) to spread the word about good health, encouraging both communities and individuals to take an active approach toward healthier living.
This year, APHA invites you to "Join the Movement" to improve your health and the health of your community, by providing these tips to make simple changes today for a healthier tomorrow.
Small swaps - and steps - can lead to big changes:
Check out the MyPlate recommendations from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) at to help plan your meals with proper proportions
Look to fill half your plate with fruits and vegetables when preparing meals
Choose more fish and low-fat meat cuts
Cook food at proper temperatures
Talk with elected leaders about including sidewalks, bike lanes, and farmers markets in your community
Get at least 2 1/2 hours of moderate to vigorous exercise each week
Encourage children to get 1 hour of active play each day
Education goes a long way in preventing substance abuse:
Talk with your employer about implementing a substance management and tobacco-cessation program for employees
Advocate for smoke-free policies in your community and workplace
Follow prescription medication instructions thoroughly
Do not use illicit drugs
Do not drive if you are under the influence
Communicable diseases can't be avoided completely, but you can better protect your family:
Wash your hands frequently
Cover your mouth when you cough and sneeze
Immunize your family
Disinfect surfaces in your home and workspace
Talk with your employer about providing paid sick days to prevent the spread of communicable diseases
Support local legislation aimed at lessening the impacts of some of the most serious communicable diseases such as HIV/AIDS, influenza, and tuberculosis
Advocacy and education can help encourage safe sex practices and reproductive health:
Practice safe sex
Use contraceptives
Visit your doctor for regular screenings
Promote access to quality health care to reduce HIV/AIDS, gonorrhea, and other sexually transmitted diseases
Advocate to get comprehensive reproductive and sexual health education in your communities
Eat healthy, remain active, quit the use of tobacco and alcohol, and visit your doctor regularly, especially when pregnant
It is important to advocate for mental health education in your community:
Advocate for mental health awareness and programs within your community's schools, businesses, and community centers
Talk with your employer about providing a comprehensive mental health services program as part of the organization's healthcare plan
Learn to recognize the symptoms of mental health issues, such as depression
Support local nonprofits aimed at educating community members about mental illness
Seek out treatment for mental health issues
To learn more about NPHW, ways you can join the movement, and to read more healthy living tips from APHA, visit .
This and other food and lifestyle content can be found at . Family Features is a leading provider of free food and lifestyle content for use in print and online publications. Register with no obligation to access a variety of formatted and unformatted features, accompanying photos, and automatically updating Web content solutions.
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Datum: 02.04.2012 - 09:00 Uhr
Sprache: Deutsch
News-ID 130735
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MISSION, KS
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"Take Steps Toward a Healthier Lifestyle"
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