1. EXERCISE

    We've all heard it before, you have to exercise.  And yes, it's an essential part to a healthy lifestyle.  If you study the body's structure you'll notice that the body was designed to move.  That's why when we don't move, the body becomes stiff, sore, and rigid.  Remember, if you don't use it, you lose it.  And falling out of shape is definitely easier than getting into shape.

Here are some tips to getting exercise into your lifestyle:

     1.  Exercise should be FUN AND INTERESTING , because if it's not, the chances of you sticking with it are not good.  So finding activities that you enjoy to do is the first step.  Keep in mind you have different types of exercise that will help you achieve your goals.  Cardiovascular will be for stamina, resistance / weight training will aim at strength and stability, and flexibility training will keep your body flexible and reduce injury risks.  

     2.  Fun and interest will lead you to CONSISTENCY.  Making the conscious effort to fit your activities into your healthy lifestyle will is the second key factor.  Activity on a regular basis will allow your body to progress and function at an optimal rate.  So not only finding the time but making the time.

     3.  CHANGE OR VARIETY will be the third key to the puzzle.  Notice in #1 I mentioned acitivies (plural).  The body's ability to adapt and change is amazing.  So changing exercises and activities on a regular basis will add a variation that allows the body a continual progression.  Doing the same exercises or activities, you'll come to a point of plateau.  If you notice that the exercise is becoming to easy, doesn't stimulate the mind, as in you can do it in your sleep, its time to change!

So get out and get movin'!!! Surfing, hiking, rollerblading, jogging, swimming, paddeling,yoga, etc.

2. NUTRITION

    The old saying "you are what you eat", is partially true.  It's probably better said, " you function how you eat."  The foods that we put into our body's are the fuel that energizes our body and allows for proper growth, development, and regeneration.  You wouldn't put a lower grade of gas into your car, would you?  So why put low nutritional foods or foods high in trans-fats, partially hydrogenated oils, or aspartame (aka nutra-sweet) into the most valuable thing you own, your body? 

Simple tips for your nutrition:

     1. If you can't read the ingredient, it's probably man-made and not good for you. 

     2. If you don't think it takes that many ingredients to make the food, you're probably right. (example: a potato    chip, does it really take that many "stuffs" to make a chip?) 

     3. Avoid additives like artificial coloring and flavoring.

     4. Stay whole; stick with foods that have been grown from the earth.

     5. Watch the portions; stay away from building mountains on your plate.

3. SLEEP

    You can never substitute a good nights rest.  This is the time where the body rests, recoporates, and regenerates.  It allows for your nervous system to be at ease under no stress and the immune system to survey the body from the daily barage of harmful exposures.  Sleep is one of those things that we don't really notice until we don't get it.

A couple of tips to remember for a great sleep:

     1. A consistent bed time is easiest for the body to rest due to the body's internal clock. 

     2. Consistent number of hours of rest; ideally approximately 6-8 hours per night.

     3. Proper sleeping positions. click onto "sleep positions"

     4. Avoid lat, before bed snacks

     5. Moderate exercise

     6. Avoid using any kind of sleeping drug will only make the body more dependent on the drug for rest in the future.

4. POSITIVE ATTITUDE / OUTLOOK

    A person's positive outlook on daily life is important for a healthy lifestyle.  Negativity creates mental stress, a "me against the world" outlook.  It has been studied, that a negative outlook increases a person's blood acidity within the body.  An increase acidity in a person's blood creates an environment for bacteria to manifest.  This leads to increase in pain and decrease in the overall function of the body.  So smile, say hi, share the aloha spirit, live lite.  Life is so much easier and flows much smoother when a positive outlook is taken.

5. BODY MAINTENANCE

    Taking care of the body that we have is essential for the mere fact that, it's the only one we have.  Up until recent times, the "Health" care system we had come to know was only accessible when we were "sick".  When we got sick, you go the "medical" doctor, they write a prescription and we take a drug.  Sometimes the drug cleared the symptoms, sometimes it did nothing, sometimes a "bad" reaction. 

     Currently, the "Health" care system has "natural" health care providers that people can access.  "Natural" health care providers, such as Chiropractor's, allow people a type of care that can be utilized to restore health from injury or illness, maintain and progress good health on a regular basis.  Just like "tuning" up a car or maintanence on a house, it is essential for the body to be taken care of, regularly.

     Regular Chiropractic checkup's help to keep the body balanced, optimize the body's nervous system, and enhance the body's ability to heal and function.  If you're seeking a Natural and Effective approach to taking care of your body, check out Chiropractic care!