National Public Health Week: Keep Focused On Staying Healthy

Every year, the American Public Health Association (APHA) designates a week as National Public Health Week (NPHW) to heighten awareness and the importance of public health and safety.

 

This year, NPHW is observed from April 3 – 9 and at Methodist McKinney Hospital, we care deeply about improving public health and helping our community stay healthy all year round.

 

“There are many degrees and facets of health and well-being,” said Dr. Manju Pandey of Prosper Family Medicine. “By making small, habitual changes in your daily routine, you can have a significant influence on how healthy you and your family stay.”

 

Here are a few tips to help you feel your best:

 

Eat Well – This may sound like a no-brainer, but putting good food in your body will not only help you feel great, it will help you maintain good health. Foods low in fat and high in nutrients and antioxidants such as fish, blueberries, pecans, and cranberries are best and will help your body run at peak performance and fight disease and sickness.

Stay Active – Physical activity levels will vary for everyone, depending on age and weight, but the more active you can stay the better.  Generally, incorporating some form of exercise (walking, jogging, running, lifting weights, yoga, dancing, etc.) for 30-60 minutes everyday will help you feel good, all while keeping your heart, cardiovascular system and waistline healthy.

Wash Your Hands – This is one of the easiest ways of to keep yourself healthy and free from sickness. Washing your hands after visiting a public place, using the restroom or before preparing/eating food is important. Also, remember to clean your cell phone frequently – germs from your hands love staying on screens.

Drink Water, Lots of Water – Staying hydrated is extremely important. Our bodies are over 2/3 water, so it’s no wonder that we need a steady intake of water to keep us going. Water helps flush out toxins from our system and properly hydrates our brain, vital organs, skin and joints. While there’s really no limit to the amount you can drink, here’s an easy rule to follow: divide your weight in half – the resulting number is how many ounces you should drink every day. For example, if you weigh 200 lbs., you should try to consume at least 100 oz. of water every day.

Get Plenty of Sleep – In our fast-paced, on-the-go society, it can be difficult to get the proper amount of sleep every night. While the amount of sleep recommended for every age can vary, most adults – from early 20s up to the mid-60s – should try to get 7-9 hours of sleep. That amount will not only allow your body to repair itself and stay running efficiently, it also promotes good mental health and well being.

Remember to Relax – Do you recall that fast-paced, on-the-go society we just talked about? It has the tendency to be stressful and frustrating and that’s why it’s always important to take some time for yourself and unplug – literally. Getting away from electronic distractions and focusing on your personal mental health is important for everyone. Whether achieved by reading, taking a vacation, having good conversation with a friend or walking your dog, remember to relax and focus on yourself.

 

At Methodist McKinney Hospital, keeping you healthy and happy is our top priority. For more information on National Public Health Week or how we help keep you and your family in peak condition, schedule an appointment with one of our family care physicians and they’ll help keep you and your family healthy.

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