Region – With the New Year upon us, the Central MA Regional Public Health Alliance is offering the following tips to help you and your family members achieve better health habits for 2013.
“Health-related goals are very popular when people are deciding on their New Year's resolutions,” stated Derek Brindisi, Director of Public Health. “Often times we all start off with great intentions and quickly fall back into our old routines. By choosing to make a few simple adjustments to our diet and exercise habits and committing to stick to them, we can make great strides towards better health.”
Healthy You
? Make healthy food choices. Grab a healthy snack such as fruit, nuts, or low-fat cheese.
? Be active. Try simple things such as taking the stairs instead of the elevator. Be active for at least 2 ? hours a week.
? Protect yourself from injury or disease by wearing a helmet, sunscreen, or insect repellent when necessary.
? Make an appointment for a check-up, vaccination, or screening. Know where to go for care if you do not have health insurance.
? Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
? Be smoke-free. If you think you’re ready to quit, call 1-800-QUIT-NOW for free counseling.
? Get enough sleep. Remember that sleep is a necessity, not a luxury.
Healthy Family
? Reduce auto-related injuries by using seat belts, child safety seats, and booster seats that are appropriate for your child's age and weight.
? Learn positive parenting tips to keep teens safe on the road.
? Develop and enforce rules about acceptable and safe behaviors for all electronic media.
? Lower the risk of food borne illness as you prepare meals for your family.
? Serve healthy meals and snacks.
? Encourage and support physical activity.
? Gather and share family health history.
? Encourage family members to get check-ups and screenings. Make sure they know where to go for care if they do not have health insurance.
