In just a week or so, people across the Triangle will gather for the 2017 Komen Race for the Cure. This has most of us thinking about ways to start, maintain or improve our healthy habits. Small diet and exercise changes can add up to big gains when it comes to improving your health. General well-being, while not foolproof, can reduce your chance for a variety of conditions, including breast cancer.
We’ve pulled together some simple tips to help you stay on track all year round!
Tips on How to Be More Active
- If stairs are available, take them instead of an elevator.
- When you can, walk or bike instead of driving.
- Stand up to work throughout the day.
- Park further away from your destination.
- Grab a buddy! We’re all more inclined to get moving if we have someone to hold us accountable!
- Join a gym with group classes. Paying for the membership may be just the motivation you need!
- Wear a device that tracks your activity. We may think we’re moving more than we really are.
- Keep a journal. Writing down your diet and exercise can help you set and reach your goals.
Tips for a Healthy Diet
- Prep! Sometimes options can take a little more preparation. Cut fruits and vegetables on Sunday so that you have quick, easy snacks throughout the week.
- Keep healthy snacks in or near your desk. When we’re hungry, it’s tempting to grab the closest calorie. So, make sure that calorie is something healthy and filling, such as nuts.
- Incorporate fruits and vegetables into every meal. Your plate should always be as colorful as possible.
- Set reminders on your phone to drink water throughout the day.
- Ask for help. If you’re not sure where to start, talk with your primary physician.
- Don’t compare your health journey to anyone else. We’re all different so what works for one person may not necessarily work for another. Find what works for you and stick to it.
Tips for Wellness and Illness Prevention
- Schedule an annual physical with your primary care physician. This will help keep an active dialogue going about your general health and ensure you receive appropriate care, and based on your family health history and lifestyle.
- Participate in regular dental check-ups, eye exams and hearing tests.
- Be proactive in having health screenings that can detect conditions early – often when they are most treatable. These studies are recommended at specific ages for routine screening or possibly earlier for people with certain family histories.
- Starting at 40, all women are encouraged to have annual screening mammograms for early breast cancer detection. 3D mammography offers much better visualization of breast tissue and improves the ability to find the disease early. Click here to know more about 3D mammography.
- Women are also encouraged to have pap smears to check for cervical cancer as well as other screenings for colon cancer, heart disease, bone density and diabetes.
- Common screenings for men, starting around 50 years old, include exams for prostate or colon cancer as well as diabetes.
It’s never too late to begin the journey to a healthier life. Although no diet or exercise plan can completely prevent cancer or other diseases, research has proven that being healthy can help lower your risk.
On May 6, 2017, we invite you to join Wake Radiology and thousands of people throughout the Triangle to Race for the Cure and jump start your healthy lifestyle!