Fit and Faith | Christian Fitness

Sure you do. Doesn’t everyone?

Obviously there are certain risk factors people have that they cannot control; such as, age and family history. But there are a number of things you do have control over. Some of these include:

1. Stop smoking. No kidd’n, right? No surprise here. Believe it or not, cigarettes are not healthy. Even the candy ones are bad for you, so don’t downgrade, drop it all together.

2. Lower high blood pressure. Have your blood pressure checked regularly (once every 2 years if it is normal, more often if it is not). Exercise will help with this one a lot.

3. Maintain a healthy weight. Don’t run out and embrace the next fad diet, just eat sensibly. Follow the USDA food pyramid (www.mypyramid.gov), many scientists have tirelessly worked to come up with it. With so many smart people working on it it’s gotta be good. Also, try swapping the Cheetos for pretzels, or some other low-fat food, if you’re a snack rat like me.

4. Reduce high blood cholesterol. Get your cholesterol level checked once every 5 years (more often, if needed). The test measures the level of cholesterol circulating in the bloodstream. You may need to limit the red meat after this one. Actually, I eat mostly veggie meats (tofu substitutes). It sounds nasty, but most is actually really yummy. Matter-o-fact, I prefer most fake stuff to the real deal.

5. Aim for a healthy weight. To lose weight and keep it off, adopt a lifestyle that combines sensible eating with regular physical activity. Try to be physically active at least 30 minutes a day. Make sure you are doing a moderate-intensity physical activity, such as brisk walking. Getting-up during commercial breaks to go the bathroom doesn’t count, no matter how bad you have to go.

Hey by the way, these steps will also help you prevent or manage diabetes. Wow, ain’t a healthy lifestyle grand?

Live it! Love it! Do it!

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