Do you find yourself longing for a moment of quiet shut-eye at inconvenient moments? Maybe you experience an afternoon slump every workday, or the need for a nap appears when you still have a mile-long to-do list for the day. Chaining yourself to a coffee machine and painfully pushing through each hour is no way to live your life. If you’re getting enough sleep, chronic fatigue shouldn’t be something you need to suffer through. Simple lifestyle changes can give you the energy to greet each day with the momentum and passion you need.

Change Your Diet
Food choices rank as a top cause of chronic fatigue. Whether you’re skipping meals, overloading on sugars and white flour, or depriving yourself of a crucial nutrient, the foods you choose (and don’t choose) can make your days feel long and tiring. To give yourself the most energy possible, try these diet tips:

• Eat a healthy breakfast that includes protein every morning. No exceptions!
• Eat a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables throughout the entire day.
• Don’t go longer than four hours without something to munch on.
• Choose whole wheat bread over white.
• Make sure you’re getting plenty of fiber and omega-3s.
• Cut back on caffeine. It might worsen your fatigue initially, but as you break the addiction you will find you don’t need coffee or tea to artificially boost your wakefulness.
• If you won’t skip dessert entirely, at least save it for the end of the day.

Get Active
Many people who complain of fatigue lead a sedentary lifestyle. They sit at a desk all day, and spend their evenings in front of a television. Regular exercise, especially in the morning, will get your blood flowing and keep you awake all day.

Quick Tips
When you find yourself fading, try one of these instant fixes:

• Get up, stretch, and walk around.
• Splash your face with cold water.
• Close your eyes and breathe deeply.
• Talk to a friend.
• Eat a healthy snack.
• Turn on your favorite upbeat song.
• Clean up your workspace.

Are you experiencing unexplained periods of low-energy? Fatigue can sometimes be a symptom of a larger health concern. The staff at Plantation General Hospital can help. Call our free Consult-A-Nurse® service at 1-866-442-2362 with questions or to receive a physician referral.

Related Posts:
The Truth About Carbohydrates
Benefits of Maintaining a Healthy Weight

With another season of dessert-filled holidays behind you, the New Year is the perfect time to think about healthy changes you can make to your lifestyle. Whether you want to lose a few pounds, you’re trying to quit a dangerous smoking habit, or you just want to prevent future medical problems and enjoy your good health long into old age, 2012 is the year to take action.

Find a Nutritious Diet That Works for You
There are few medical problems that aren’t in some way linked with an unhealthy diet. If you are primarily living off fatty, sweet, or salty foods, now is the time to start opening up your kitchen and palate to healthier recipes. Begin by taking small steps one at a time.  Try finding several nutritious recipes your love, rather than fixating on cutting out unhealthy favorites. This positive focus will promote a feeling of abundance, rather than deprivation. Before you know it, your kitchen will be filled fresh produce and whole foods, rather than bags of chips and cartons of ice cream.

Fitness Resolutions
Gym membership numbers tend to spike every January – with good reason. Gyms provide accountability, focus, and encouragement while trying to establish an exercise routine. Many gyms also offer regular classes that will introduce you to new types of exercise, such as Pilates, water aerobics, or spin classes. On the other hand, gym memberships aren’t the only way to achieve your fitness goals this year. If you aren’t likely to get distracted while trying to exercise at home, investing in a few pieces of home gym equipment will save you money in the long run. You can also get a great cardio workout from running outside, joining a sports team, hiking, biking, or participating in water activities.

More Healthy Resolutions
What other promises can you make for 2012 to preserve your health? Here are some ideas:

• Quit smoking.
• Get enough sleep.
• Protect your skin from the sun.
• Switch to organic or natural cleaning substances.
• Pay attention to the recommended doctor appointments, exams, shots, and screenings for your age and gender.

Are you going into 2012 behind on your health screenings? Plantation General Hospital can help. Call our Consult-A-Nurse® service at 1-866-442-2362. A healthcare professional is available 24/7 to answer your questions or provide a physician referral.

Related Posts:
Time to Quit Smoking
Benefits of Maintaining a Healthy Weight

Obesity is one of the major health challenges facing America today, and with one third of all children and teenagers being overweight or obese, it is a problem that is likely to continue for some time. With easy access to unhealthy food and video games being popular, it is little wonder how we came to this place.

However, healthy habits begin as a child and will continue through adulthood, which is why it is extremely important to make the necessary changes now to start your children off on the right foot. Here we have provided some ideas for how you can keep your kids healthy and happy.

• Turn off the television. This is probably one of the biggest steps you can take to get your kids moving. Find a limit you believe is fair for the amount of television they should be allowed to watch, whether it be two hours a night or two shows per week. Remove any televisions from their bedrooms and if they play video games, make sure the games they play require movement.

• Promote activity, not exercise. If you encourage your kids to exercise, you won’t get anywhere. Instead, focus on fun and find activities that your child enjoys.

• Get fit as a family. Teach your children to play basketball, throw a ball back and forth, create some funny dance moves, play miniature golf, or create games where running is involved.

• Make play dates. Schedule time for your child to get together with a friend or two and play active games, such as tag, hopscotch, or catch.

• Give active presents. Your child might be begging for a laptop, but instead choose gifts that encourage activity, like a hula hoop, a jump rope, or a soccer ball.

• Model good behavior. If you lead an active, healthy lifestyle, your children will be more inclined to grow up leading an active lifestyle. So don’t hesitate to get in a morning run or find time for the gym.

· Encourage active transportation. Encourage your children to take bikes or walk whenever feasible.

If you have questions about your child’s overall health and fitness, contact the Children’s Center at Plantation General Hospital. Visit us online or call Consult-A-Nurse® at 1-888-256-7724 for a physician referral.

Sources:

Trust for America’s Health

American Academy of Pediatrics

Related Posts:

How Healthy Is Your Heart?

Diabetes: Learning the Basics