How to Be Healthier, Stronger and More Active
Health is a relative term and is different for everyone. It means that your body is operatingat an efficient range in all the different body systems fromcirculation, breathing, digestion and more. It doesn’t meanyou have to look like a supermodel. Anything you can doto help your body achieve more of an ideal state is a steptowards a healthier you.
Strength and flexibility
There are approximately 642 skeletal muscles inthe body. This means that your strength andflexibility play an important role in your health.Your muscles not only help you move, butthey support your circulatory and breathingsystems. A stronger and more flexible you, meansa healthier you. Relieving joint or muscle pain and guidingyou on proper exercise is part of our specialized physicaltherapy treatments. Call our physical therapists to learn more.
Aches, pains and injuries
All of these contribute to an unhealthier you. Pain increasesbad chemicals in the body and increases stress. This affectsyour endocrine system, which regulates the hormones inyour body and controls almost everything. Most muscle andjoint pains can easily be treated by our specialized physicaltherapists. Our physical therapy experts have the right knowledge and thetime to listen, evaluate and guide you towards a pain-free,healthier lifestyle.
7 Steps to a healthier you:
1. TAKE CARE OF ACHES AND PAINS.
Don’t let long-term aches and pains linger. Seek out professional physical therapy help to avoid turning a small problem into a major one.
2. LIMIT YOUR SITTING.
Get up every 30 minutes and walk around at work and home. This reduces the pressure on your spine, increases blood and lymphatic fluid flow around the body, helping you feel more energized throughout the day.
3. GET OUT AND MOVE.
Exercise regularly. At least walk every day. Many studies show the benefits of simply walking. Risks for heart disease, stroke and diabetes can be reduce greatly, simply by walking daily.
4. NUTRITION AND PORTION CONTROL.
Keep your intake of food nutritious and at acomfortable level. Chew your food more thoroughly
and you won’t feel like you have to eat so much.
5. DRINK MORE WATER.
Water keeps your body systems functioningat an optimum level. It also helps you feel less hungry throughout the day. An idea is to keep a glass or drink container at your desk or counter where you frequent throughout the day and keep filling it up.
6. BREATHE!
Work on your breathing to increaseoxygen intake and get yourlymphatic system moving. Many people have breathing pattern disorders from chronic stress over time. Lie on your bed or the floor with your hand on your upper abdomen, breathe deep, working on gently rising your abdomen towards the ceiling. This works your diaphragm muscle, which is the major muscle in breathing.
7. GET ENOUGH SLEEP.
Sleep at least 7-8 hours aday. It is best to get intoa routine so you go to bedand wake up on a regular
cycle. This helps yourendocrine system, which controls hormones.
There is a lot that you can do to feel healthier. Start with the simple suggestions above and make it easy for yourself to accomplish them. If you have aches and pains or just want to feel healthier, give us a call today and learn more about how we can help you live a pain free, healthy life!