Several important life choices can make or break a healthy life
The choices you make in life are not always simple. However, at the very least, consider the following life choices in relation to your health.
Where you live
You may not feel as if you have a choice, but you do. And it matters. For instance, a study published in the American Journal of Public Health found that people who live in the suburbs and drive everywhere weigh 6.3 pounds more than those who live in compact cities and are able to walk more. Also, living near the seaside or countryside is best for exercise, according to researchers from the University of Plymouth, England.
If you’re looking for a new place to live, make sure to consider the following:
Are there suitable and scenic walking and hiking trails (which research shows encourage more walking) in your potential new area? Does your neighborhood have public or private recreation facilities (such as parks with walking, hiking or biking paths)? Are they in good condition? Can you see yourself using them? Are there local fitness centers and/or areas for water sports? Does your local public school have any facilities you can use (a track and/or a pool)? Does your shopping mall have walking programs? Do concerns about safety at the recreation facilities in your community influence your using them? Do you have safety concerns about walking in your neighborhood? Have you thought about how you can overcome these safety issues?
Take a look at the American College of Sports Medicines area fitness rankings at www.americanfitnessindex.org/quickview.htm, and the County Health Rankings & Roadmaps program at www.countyhealthrankings.org. It ranks the health of nearly every county in the nation.
Career, job
Is it possible to increase your activity level just by changing jobs? Some jobs such as mail carrier, firefighter and construction worker can actually keep you in shape. However, many of us do not have active jobs. Here are a few things you can do to ramp up your activity level.
Casual is better: When you wear casual clothing, you’re more active.
Walk to work: Pick a home close to your job so you can walk or bike every day.
Have walking meetings: Instead of sitting around, have your meetings while you walk.
Stand tall: Hold meetings without chairs so participants are required to stand. Your meetings will probably become more time-efficient, too.
Use your head: Obtain a phone headset and pace during calls.
Old school: Walk to a co-worker’s desk instead of emailing or phoning.
Dog vs. cat
Yes, cats and dogs provide affection, and that can decrease risk of disease and improve your overall health, but when it comes to increasing physical activity, dogs are the ticket. There’s something about getting out and walking with your dog. Maybe it’s the fact that you need to walk your dog so it can do its business. Or maybe it’s so you can walk with your best friend. In any event, research supports the fact that dog owners walk more.
Marriage
When you get married, there is a good chance you’re going to gain a few pounds. In fact, according to a study by Cornell University researchers, newlyweds gain more weight than singles or people who are widowed or divorced. Another study in Obesity Research reported an average weight gain of 6 to 8 pounds over a twoyear period after getting married.
The idea is to try to find a marriage partner who has the same health values you do. Marrying someone who has unhealthy eating and exercise habits may not be a deal breaker, but it’s certainly something you should add to the equation.
Parenthood, children
It makes sense that if you have children, especially when they’re young, you will have trouble finding time to stay active and eat healthy. According to a study from the Duke University Medical Center appearing in the Journal of Women’s Health, women faced on average a 7 percent increased risk of obesity per child born, and men an average of 4 percent. Of course, with poor sleeping patterns, irregular eating, no time to do anything but take care of these young lives, it’s not easy to keep yourself healthy.
Best advice: Keep unhealthy foods out of your house (you’ll be spending lots of time there), create a home gym, make time for activity and include the baby (e.g., long walks with a stroller).
Friends
You probably don’t think you choose your friends. You figure it just happens. But you always have a choice in life, and choosing friends is no different. When you choose a friend, not only should you get along and have fun, you also need to determine if that person thwarts your goals or helps you achieve them. Now don’t get me wrong, I’m not suggesting that you become a cold and calculating person. Just be aware of your peer’s influences on your life, try to choose carefully, and certainly add healthier friends to your circle.
Charles Platkin is a nutrition and public health advocate and founder of DietDetective.com, and director of the New York City Food Policy Center at Hunter College. Copyright 2017 by Charles Platkin. Sign up for the free Diet Detective newsletter at www. DietDetective.com.