Living in Chicago or any large city can be hectic and taxing on the body, making it harder to fight colds, the flu and even more serious illnesses. Jobs, family and other tasks take a toll on people and they may feel the affects of a hectic city lifestyle. People can still live healthy even through stressful times and tight budgets. Incorporating healthier practices will result in an optimal well being, adding extra years, plus better quality of life.
People just need to educate themselves, become more aware of preventative health measures and take simple steps to extend their lives. Articles in the Chicago Sun Times stated Blacks were dying at 3 times the rate of Whites last year. The article stated this could be linked to poverty and poor health care. Another article that ran in 2008 in The Chicago Tribune stated Kidney failure takes deadly toll on blacks in Chicago. This story also blamed this chronic illness in the urban area to poverty; and a lack of access to medical care, health insurance, affordable, safe places to exercise and supermarkets that sell inexpensive, healthy foods.
Sometimes priorities need to be revised. People seem to find the money to spurge on expensive items for the outer parts of the body instead of investing in better foods, filtered water and some type of exercise plan.
Here are some steps to take to change over to a healthier lifestyle:
Avoid microwaves
Convenience kills sometimes. Most households today have microwave ovens but nuking food can rob nutrients, cause the food to be more cancerous. Fact is microwave ovens do emit radiation. A more raw diet is becoming a more popular health practice due to the fact that cooking food reduces nutrients in the food. Stir-fry or slow cooking at a certain temperature is best. Avoid microwave ovens altogether would be one step to a healthier lifestyle.
Switch over to healthier diet
Find a way to stop eating fast foods, greasy foods and processed foods such as white flour, white sugar and white salt that has been processed to last longer on store selves but stripped of nutrients. Dr. Oz said a plant-based diet is better than prescription drugs to rid diseases and disorders and for better health. Hypertension, Diabetes, Kidney disease and other serious illnesses that people find run in the family usually is passed down through the generations because eating habits are passed down too. African-Americans have a higher rate of these health issues and tend to eat diets that include fried foods, sugary drinks including sodas, high sodium and foods that can increase the risk of Diabetes and Hypertension. African Americans are 1.4 times as likely to be obese as Non- Hispanic Whites according to one study from 2008. Lack of exercise and poor diet is the result of this study.
What’s in the water?
More people are buying bottle water these days to avoid tap water and all the toxins that they may be exposed to. Now many debates go on about the safety of bottled water. A good water filter with a reusable bottle to carry the water in can be a safer measure.
Exercise
Most people say they are just too busy to workout. Exercise is another way to extend your life. Jogging and other high aerobic exercises help. An adequate amount of exercise can help in reducing blood sugar level and blood pressure. Basic types of fitness and exercise, such as walking and weight lifting helps in releasing powerful hormones that fights with the dangerous toxins. It also enhances your body's capacity to battle with oxidants.
Shop for healthy, inexpensive deals
Getting on a healthier diet means shopping at a local health food store. This may mean traveling a longer distance to get products that are healthier. Online shopping can be convenient way to get items needed for a wholesome lifestyle. Try to purchase your health supplements through companies that offer quality supplements with memberships and discounts. Find where the most convenient Trade Joe’s grocery store is in your area for savings in healthier foods.
Commit to living a better lifestyle that will help fight disease and disorders. Get fit and maintain a healthy weight. Get rid of unhealthy habits like smoking, excess drinking and other substance abuse. Get proper rest and educate yourself to live as healthy as possible.
Prevention is the key to avoiding disease and illness.
Suggested websites for some healthy recipes:
www.laptoplunches.com
Join www.motherknowsbest.net on facebook
More health tips and recipes.
Books:
Fit for Life by Harvey and Marilyn Diamond
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