# 37

"Physical fitness is not only one of the most important keys to a healthy body; it is the basis of dynamic and creative intellectual activity. The relationship between the soundness of the body and the activities of the mind is subtle and complex. Much is not yet understood. But we do know what the Greeks knew: that intelligence and skill can only function at the peak of their capacity when the body is healthy and strong; that hardy spirits and tough minds usually inhabit sound goals." President John F. Kennedy

Today is the first day of spring. The days get longer and warmer, and our desire for physical activity usually increases. And, there is a direct correlation between the health of the body and the soundness of the mind. Increased physical activity causes the brain to increase the production of endorphin. Endorphin is protein produced naturally, that help control our emotions. The greater the level of endorphins the happier we tend to be. Think about a time when you had a hard workout. While the body was tired, the mind felt good. Healthy habits have been shown to influence general health and longevity more than genetics or environment. By adopting the 10 following lifestyle choices, you can stay healthy, energized, and out of the doctor’s office.

10 Ways to a Happy, Healthy Lifestyle

1. Get regular health screenings: Many fatal illnesses can be diagnosed and treated successfully with early detection.
   
2. Don’t smoke: Smoking triples your risk of lung cancer and is the leading cause of heart disease.
   
3. Wear your seat belt: Wearing your seat belt reduces the risk of serious injury or death in a car accident.
   
4. Drink moderately: More than one or two drinks a day increase your chance of liver disease, heart failure, and some cancers.
   
5. Exercise regularly: Physical activity can help control weight, reduce stress, and reduce your risk of heart attack, stroke, diabetes, and some cancers.
   
6. When spending time outdoors wear a sunscreen, and a cap/hat: Skin cancer strikes one in eight Americans (basal cell carcinoma). Use a sunscreen with a SPF-15 or higher. Wear a baseball style cap or hat whenever possible.
   
7. Eat a well-balanced, low-fat, high-fiber diet: Okay--so make sure you eat plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables. And, get your cholesterol checked at least once a year. (There are plenty of free cholesterol clinics at malls, supermarkets, and churches). A healthy diet helps protect against cancer, stroke, heart attack, diabetes, and obesity.
   
8. Manage stress: Excessive stress impairs your immune system and contributes to heart disease and other health problems. Seek professional help if you suffer from depression or persistent anxiety.
   
9. See a doctor if you have unusual symptoms: Watch for masses or lumps anywhere on the body, chest pains, fatigue, chronic cough, and numbness/tingling in the feet or hands.
   
10. Learn about your family's medical history: Knowing your family's medical history may help your doctor in diagnosing and treating you. It is important that they know of history of cancer, heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. It will help in early detection/diagnosis/treatment.

"If you don't do what is best for your body, you're the one who comes up on the short end." Julius (Dr. J) Erving

"Warning--Humor may be hazardous to your illness." Ellie Katz

"The most wasted of all days is that on which one has not laughed." Ralph Waldo Emerson

Contact Tom at: tomhughes@motivationNmore.com

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