Seven Steps to Staying Young and Healthy

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While cosmetic surgery can be an excellent option for those looking to change or enhance their appearance, there are also simple lifestyle adjustments that can contribute greatly to a young, healthy and fit form.  Minor adjustments to your every day life can improve complexion, slim your waistline, and prevent premature aging and illness.   Follow these seven simple steps, to maintaining your healthy, beautiful and young self. 

Cut Back On Bad Fats

Saturated fats, found in foods such as butter, milk, meat and poultry contribute to high levels of cholesterol, heart disease and weight gain.  While these foods are important for maintaining a healthy balanced diet, they should be used in moderation to avoid the negative side effects.  Try to increase your intake of monosaturated fats, which is found in foods such as olive oil, peanut butter, corn oil, and flaxseed oil in replacement of less healthier options.

Monitor Your Stress

Stress not only takes its toll on your mind but on your body as well.  Physical symptoms of stress can manifest as illness, muscle tension, weight loss, migraines, fatigue and other undesirable side effects.  A study performed at the University of California at San Francisco found that stress can biologically age the immune system making highly stressed out individuals more susceptible to illness and early signs of aging.  To reduce your stress level, take some time every day for yourself.  This may be done through meditation, a warm bath, or simply reading for 20 minutes, allowing yourself to relax. 

Get Movin!

It is vital to your health and appearance to remain active throughout your life.  Even a small amount of exercise gained from choosing the stairs instead of the elevator, or walking your dog daily can help reduce the chances for weight gain, prolong life and prevent early onset of aging and illness.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends thirty minutes of moderate exercise, five times per week to maintain a healthy body. 

Extinguish Your Cigarette

Cigarette smoke is the number one cause of lung cancer in the United States.  In addition to the serious risk of illness and death, smoking also causes wrinkling and premature aging.  Many studies have shown that combining the use of a replacement treatment, such as the nicotine patch or gum increases your chances of successfully quitting by two, in comparison with determination alone.


Drinking in Moderation

While one glass of wine can actually be beneficial to your health to reduce stress and the risk for heart disease, drinking in large quantities poses serious health risks.  Drinking heavily on a regular basis can lead to premature aging, illness, strokes, liver disease, and several types of cancer.  Women are advised to limit alcohol intake to one beverage per day, and men can safely have two. 

Limit Sun Exposure

The sun’s effects on your skin can be highly damaging and even fatal.  Excessive sun exposure can lead to several forms of skin cancer, premature aging, wrinkles and other health complications.  Wearing moisturizer that contains an SPF of 15 or higher can greatly reduce the threat of the sun’s harmful ways and keep your skin young and healthy in appearance. 

Get Your Beauty Sleep

Sleep deprivation has been correlated with obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, memory problems, stress and other undesirable health complications.  Keeping your bedroom neat and distraction free can contribute to a healthy night of sleep and in turn your overall well-being.  While sleep patterns vary from person to person, most adults should aim for a solid eight hours per night. 


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