Health tips for the new year
Play with your dog. Go for a 10- to 15-minute walk with your pet and play fetch. Having a dog is an easy way to workout. CDC reports that an owner’s lifestyle may affect canine and feline obesity. The Humane Society of the United States recommends walking a dog twice per day for health reasons and to avoid behavior issues. (William DeShazer/Chicago Tribune)
Chicago Tribune
New Year’s resolutions are usually broken, but sometimes we can stick to our goals if we’re passionate enough about them. Here are some health suggestions for the new year.
Shamontiel L. Vaughn, Tribune Newspapers
You’ve decided how many days you’ll work out on a weekly basis or maybe you’ve decided to save money. Here’s a resolution that’ll help when you’re slacking off on one of the two. For every day you’re supposed to work out and don’t, you have to stick a predetermined amount of money in your piggy bank. For the days you can’t save that amount in your piggy bank, head to the gym. (Bonnie Trafelet/Chicago Tribune)
Lose the trans fat and excess salt in frozen vegetable dishes. Shop for fresh vegetables instead. (Nancy Stone/Chicago Tribune)
If you’re not doing so already, be active in chores around the house. Doing laundry works the arms and legs. Mopping, sweeping and vacuuming have two perks--keeping your home clean and a workout for you. Web MD’s Fitness Calculator can give you an estimate on how many calories you’ll burn with certain chores. (Nuccio DiNuzzo/Chicago Tribune)
Do you take an elevator even when you’re only going up or down a couple of floors? Take the stairs instead to work on calf, thigh and buttocks muscles. (Alexander Demianchuk/Reuters)
Avoid eating in front of the television. It may lead you to overeating (especially junk food). Even if you don’t like exercise tapes, create a routine with crunches, squats, push-ups and other exercises while watching your favorite programs. Don’t want to miss anything? Exercise during commercial breaks. (Bonnie Trafelet/Chicago Tribune)
Even if you don’t buy the weight bench or exercise equipment big enough to block your living room, buy exercise equipment that can be rolled under your bed and safely placed in your closet for easy access. Strength training with weights helps mental and physical health. According to CDC, strength training can also reduce signs and symptoms of arthritis, diabetes, osteoporosis, obesity, back pain and depression. (Terry Harris/Chicago Tribune)
Kids knock on your door to ask if your child can come out and play. Why not play with your kids, too? Jump rope. Play basketball. Steal a base. Take your kid bowling. Participate in some kind of physical sport with your child(ren). (Nancy Stone/Chicago Tribune)
Having sexy shoes for your club nights is a must, but too much weight on your ankles, sores all over your feet and being unable to walk because of those sexy shoes is probably not worth the trouble. Keep flats in your purse or bag if your shoes are uncomfortable. Don’t risk back, leg or ankle injuries trying to be fashionable. Regular physical activity can fight weight gain, but if you want to drive everywhere because your feet hurt, those shoes are hurting your health. (Antonio Perez/Chicago Tribune)
Don’t put off regular check-ups to your doctor. During winter months, ask your doctor about an emergency stash of medicine to make sure you’re equipped for cold winter weather or any long road trips. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Before you buy exercise equipment that ends up collecting dust in your basement before the year is over, be confident in your choice. Make sure it doesn’t take up too much room. Compare pricing for this equipment online, in stores and join coupon sites to get your money’s worth. If the equipment is available at your health club, use that exercise equipment for at least a couple of months to make sure you’re still interested in it and it’s regularly useful for your workout routine. (Milbert O. Brown/Chicago Tribune)
