Living Well Doing Well: Remaining Fit and Healthy

When many people get older, they begin to realize they should have taken better care of themselves. Whether they’re having health problems, need a pair of false teeth, or are experiencing back-aches, it’s important for people to remain fit and/or healthy. Even more so, you need to start doing so at a young age. Not only is it an exercise in self-discipline, but it’s also a way to keep yourself in shape so that when you get older, you won’t start experiencing health problems that many are facing.

As an example, the reason many elderly people need false teeth, is because they didn’t take care of their gums at a young age. They might not have visited the dentist often (if at all), or brushed and flossed like they were supposed to. In the long run, this leads to cavities, gingivitis, and other gum diseases. Speaking of which, here are some other ways you can remain healthy and/or fit at a young age.

Exercise

Exercising is one of the most important ways you can remain fit. The problem is that many people have such a busy schedule, they simply put it off or just procrastinate in doing so. Exercising is especially important for people who work from home. Depending on the type of outside work you do, at least you’re active in those scenarios. If you stay at home or work in a cubicle all day, however, you aren’t using your muscles for anything other than typing on a keyboard. Your muscles will eventually become weak, since they’re not being put to good use. On top of that, exercising is also great if you’re trying to lose weight.

Eat Healthy

Cliche as it sounds, eating the right foods will keep you fit and healthy. As you grow older, especially, you’ll have to watch your diet more carefully. For example, have you noticed that most kids can gorge on junk food with little to no health problems? When they get older, however, they begin to see the effects of this type of diet. They might find themselves gaining lots of weight, or tired and always out of energy. If you’re not careful, it might even lead to health problems such as diabetes or heart disease. That doesn’t mean you have to avoid fatty and sugary foods altogether, but be sure to only eat them in moderation.

Visit Your Doctor

In order to remain fit and healthy, you should also visit your doctor on a regular basis. Many people think that if they’re not sick or aren’t experiencing major health problems, then visiting their doctor isn’t necessary. However, you should always visit yours at least once every six months. Aside from informing you of your current health levels, they could also give you some recommendations on how to improve. For example, what if you weren’t aware that your cholesterol levels were high before your doctor informed you? They could recommend that you exercise more, and reduce your intake of fatty foods. They’re the professionals who can give you the advice you need.

Takes Vitamins Regularly

Many people only take vitamins when they get sick or during the flu season. Taking them on a regular basis, however, will not only keep you healthy, but will build up your immune system. In fact, one reason so many get sick easily or lack the energy to do their work, is because they don’t have enough vitamins in their system. There are plenty of foods filled with vitamins A and C, for example, but why not stock up and take them through pills and chewables? Not to mention that when the flu season comes around, you are much less likely to get sick.

For more information on how to remain healthy and fit, as well as how to live well and do even better, feel free to contact me today. I am a writer who posts about men’s and women’s fashion, style trends, home decor, DIY topics and finances. I look forward to hearing from you, and assisting you in the best way possible.

Living Well Doing Well: Improving Your Children’s Self-Esteem

Whether you’re young or old, people of all ages are constantly being bombarded with images on a daily basis. Not all of these images are negative, obviously, but many of them are. First of all, the media plays a major role in what we see. When you’re watching the latest celebrity show, for example, you may see a woman who looks absolutely flawless. She has no wrinkles, the smoothest skin possible, and teeth so perfect, that they even put most dentists to shame.

On top of that, society also plays a major role in how we think about ourselves, and to a lesser extent, what we see. After all, we’re constantly being told what foods to eat and avoid, how to dress, and what it means to be an acceptable human being. However, notice that many of these media images and even the mindsets of society, don’t impact those who are older. That’s because they already have a set thought process. Seeing images of a flawless celebrity, or being told that they need to lose weight, wouldn’t affect them as much, and they might simply dismiss it. However, would a young child dismiss it so easily? The chances are very unlikely. Many children have insecurities and problems with their body images, and here are a few reasons why. However, on a more positive note, there will be solutions as to what your children can do in these situations. One main one is the relationship a child sees between husband and wife as their parents. But here are some other great ideas.

#1. Social Media

Society and television are one thing, but social media is a completely different story. After all, while many adults do use websites such as Facebook, social media is a new digital trend for today’s youth, and it’s often how they communicate with others. While there are plenty of positive aspects of social networking, in a way, it’s just as self-destructive as it is beneficial. Kids are exposed constantly to unhealthy body images, no more so than online. As an example, notice how many people on Facebook seem to have the perfect life.

They have an amazing job, a wonderful wife, and the perfect car. Getting more to the point, though, many people on Facebook usually upload amazing photos of themselves as well. If a child was constantly exposed to these images, how would it make them feel? Maybe he/she would believe that they’d never be good enough, and that they’d need to have a flawless image as well. In a way, Facebook sets unrealistic expectations about how others should feel about their life.

Solution

First of all, it’s important for your children to realize that someone’s profile on Facebook is usually not reflective of their real life. Social media is often a facade where people usually brag about their accomplishments and try to pain the image of a perfect life. When your children realize this, it’ll be easier for them to stop comparing their lives with others. Lastly, considering how many people are obsessed with social media, your children should go outside and get some fresh air. Instead of living in a social network bubble, meet new people and engage in activities outside the house.

#2. People Are Often Judgmental

Another reason some children have problems with their body image, is because many people in society are often judgmental. After all, first impressions are lasting ones, and many people can be very quick to judge without even getting the chance to know them. This is especially true at school, where kids often tease others and can be very cruel. For example, let’s say there was a kid at school who was a bit overweight. The other kids might tease him/her to the point where they feel they’ll always be fat no matter how much they exercise or eat healthy.

Solution

On the flip side, people aren’t always judgmental. Sometimes, children assume others are going to immediately judge them. On top of that, in order to impress others, many kids try to be someone their not, and it only makes things worse. As a solution, children need to be themselves in social situations. Their conversations will come naturally, and they won’t look awkward or forced to anyone.

#3. Society’s Expectations

As I mentioned before, the expectations of society can cause children to feel insecure about their body image. It’s easy for adults to dismiss what they see on television, but many children might be looking for acceptance when watching TV. After all, let’s say they don’t have a good role model around the house. Upon seeing the latest model on a reality show, they might latch onto that, and try to develop the perfect body image. Eventually, this could lead to skipping meals, exercising too much, and the child might even think he/she is fat when they’re not.

Solution

Children need to realize that society’s expectations are often unrealistic, and that what’s shown on TV usually doesn’t correlate with reality. Many children aspire to be the next fashion model, or wish they had the perfect life, like the latest celebrity. However, what goes on behind the scenes is a different story. Many super models even have to eat every two hours to keep their perfect figure, or they’ll lose their job. Overall, it’s important to remember that more often than not, what’s shown on TV is not realistic.

For more information and useful advice on the problems that many kids have with their body image, and ways your children can feel better about themselves, feel free to contact me today. I look forward to hearing from you, and assisting you in the best way possible.