Melissa Bess, Nutrition and Health Education Specialist, Camden County, University of Missouri Extension
It seems like there’s always something that can make us sick or prevent us from feeling our best. Here are some important tips for staying healthy:
- Wash your hands often. Use hot, soapy water and wash for at least 20 seconds. Don’t forget fingernails and wrists. (December 7-13 is Hand Washing Awareness Week!)
- Be physically active as often as possible. Current recommendations for aerobic activity are 150 minutes of moderate or 75 minutes of vigorous activity weekly. If that is too much, start at a lower level and work toward the recommendation or break it up into 10 or 15 minute intervals. Strength training should be done at least two times a week, focusing on all the major muscle groups.
- Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. Many fruits and vegetables have antioxidants, which help prevent diseases. They also contain different vitamins and minerals that help promote health. Try to eat a rainbow of different fruits and vegetables.
- Cough into a tissue or your elbow. When you cough into the air or on your hand, you can easily spread germs to others.
- Get enough sleep. Allow your body and mind the rest it needs to stay healthy year-round. Sleep needs vary among people, so if you feel drowsy during the day you probably need more rest.
Find more health tips in the full version of this article at http://missourifamilies.org/
