Creating a Healthy Lifestyle

      There are many things that can be done to improve your health through lifestyle modifications.  Some of these modifications may seem hard, such as quitting smoking if you smoke, but many of them can be very simple, like taking a low dose aspirin every day.  The following is a list of ideas to help improve your lifestyle and better your health.

• If you smoke quit.  The Ionia County Health Department has quit kits available or you can try the Michigan Tobacco Quit Line at 1-800-480-QUIT.
• Avoid second hand smoke at all costs.  Because second hand smoke is unfiltered it is actually more toxic than smoking. 
• Keep your alcohol consumption below two drinks per day for men and 1 drink per day for women.
• Take a low dose aspirin daily.
• When in the sun wear sunscreen or clothes which protect your skin from the light.
• Be aware of your caloric need and try to eat withing a close range of this.
• Choose foods that are lean meats, fruits, vegetables and whole grains.  Sweets, simple carbohydrates, such as potatoes and white bread, and fats can increase your risk of weight gain.
• Get enough exercise.  Getting 30 minutes of aerobic exercise three times a week is a good idea, but adding in two sessions of resistance exercise on top of this is a great one!
• Visit your doctor regularly.

Resources to Help You Change

Expectant Mother Quit Smoking Kit

A Note for Parents on Smoking Around Kids

Quit Smoking Resources

Resources on Exercise

Resources on Eating Better