On March 20, 2020, the season of Spring arrives. In baseball, Spring signals a time for preparation. Spring is also the season when the flower buds bloom, leaf buds appear on trees, animals who have been hibernating, awake, and gardeners begin planting their seeds as the temperature slowly warms. During Spring, everything is fresh and a time to start anew! One of the best ways of starting afresh is springing into a healthy physical and spiritual lifestyle. This month, I invite you to join me as I begin this series by presenting tips to encourage you to spring into a healthy physical lifestyle. The balance of the month, I will switch the focus to springing into a healthy spiritual lifestyle.
What is a healthy lifestyle?
According to Harvard Health Publishing at the Harvard Medical School, the following 5 areas were chosen because prior studies have shown them to have a large impact on premature death. Here are how these healthy habits were defined and measured:
5 Keys to A Longer Life*
1. Healthy diet, which was calculated and rated based on the reported intake of healthy foods like vegetables, fruits, nuts, whole grains, healthy fats, and omega-3 fatty acids; and unhealthy foods like red and processed meats, sugar-sweetened beverages, trans fat, and sodium.
2. Healthy physical activity level, which was measured as at least 30 minutes per day of moderate to vigorous activity.
3. Healthy body weight defined as a normal body mass index (BMI), which is between 18.5 and 24.9.
4. Smoking, well there is no healthy amount of smoking. “Healthy” here meant never having smoked.
5. Moderate alcohol intake, which was measured as between 5 and 15 grams per day for women, and 5 to 30 grams per day for men. Generally, one drink contains about 14 grams of pure alcohol. That’s 12 ounces of regular beer, 5 ounces of wine, or 1.5 ounces of distilled spirits.
The Harvard report also cited a study from investigators who calculated life expectancy by how many of these five healthy habits people had. The report noted just one healthy habit (and it didn’t matter which one) just one – extended life expectancy by two years in men and women. It is therefore not surprising, that the healthier habits people had, the longer their lifespan.
Beloved, eating and living healthier is a choice you can begin implementing today. One cannot change the past, but one can certainly make better choices for themselves and their family for the future.
*Source: Tello, Monique, M.D., MPH, Healthy Lifestyle: 5 Keys to a Longer Life, July 2018
Next Week: Spring Into A Healthy Spiritual Lifestyle (Part 1)
General Disclaimer: The writer has used her best efforts in preparation of this information. No representations or warranties for its contents, either expressed or implied, are offered. Neither the publisher nor the writer shall be liable in any way for readers’ efforts to apply, rely or utilize the information or recommendations presented herein as they may not be suitable for you or necessarily appropriate for every situation to which they may refer. This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace the advice of your medical doctor or health care provider. You are encouraged to discuss with your doctor any questions or concerns you may have concerning maintaining a healthy lifestyle. If you would like to contact Rev. Lester, write to her c/o P.O. Box 121, Brookfield, WI. 53008.
