HealthyLife Articles

Author: AIPM

  • 4 Money Mistakes To Avoid

    FINANCIAL HEALTH

    Image of 3 friends.

    Little everyday choices can have a big impact on your finances. If you want to save more or spend less, think about whether you’re making any of these mistakes.

    Mistake #1: You put off saving money.

    Do you think that you can wait a few more months or even years before you need to save for retirement, your kids’ college or other future needs? Even if you can only put away a few dollars each week, start now. It can add up over time and the sooner you start, the more money you’ll have later.

    Mistake #2: You spend too much on “treats.”

    We all like to treat ourselves once in a while. But, if you’re spending money on treats often, such as going to the movies or buying yourself a new item, you could be creating money problems. Look for low-cost or free ways to reward yourself. Set aside some time with a friend, take a hot bath, watch a favorite movie at home or check out free museums and concerts.

    Mistake #3: You get lots of coupons in your mail and email.

    If you get catalogs in the mail and your inbox is filled with coupons and deals, this could be wrecking your money goals. After all, you may not need the items that are advertised. But, they look like such a good deal that you decide to buy them anyway. Do you really need another sweater or pair of jeans, or are you buying them because of the sale? Unsubscribe from email coupons and newsletters, and throw catalogs in the recycling bin. This can help lower the temptation to shop.

    Mistake #4: You don’t know how much money you really have.

    If you are struggling financially, it can be hard to look at your bank account balances. But, it’s better to know what you can afford than to go deeper into debt. Make a budget of what you have and what you can spend each month after bills are paid. Try to stick to your budget and find ways to cut out unnecessary items.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • 4 “S”S For A Super Workday

    WORK LIFE

    Image of happy co-workers.

    1.  Stress less on your commute. Avoid the news, emails or other stressful activities on your way to work. Instead, listen to an uplifting audio book or your favorite music.

    2.  Say something positive. When someone asks how you’re doing, avoid saying things like, “just okay,” or “could be better.” Instead, say, “great,” or “I’m going to make it a good day!” Even if you don’t feel that way, saying it out loud can help.

    3.  Smile. Research has shown that simply smiling can improve your mood and lower stress, even if you don’t feel happy at the moment.

    4.  SET your priority. Decide upon the most important task on your list today. Then, get to work on completing it before doing anything else. Getting important things done can boost your confidence.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • 4 “S”S For Smooth Skin

    WELL-BEING

    Young female with a jar of lotion.

    Winter is hard on your skin. Dry indoor air, frequent washing and cold outside air can make skin itchy and painful. Your skin is the largest organ in your body and an important barrier. Protect it!

    1.  Stay safe with germs: Don’t skip handwashing because your hands are dry. You could end up sick or may spread germs to others. Instead, keep hand cream in your purse, pocket or desk. Apply the cream after you wash your hands.

    2.  Short showers: A long, hot shower strips skin of its protective oils. Keep showers and baths short and not too hot.

    3.  Slather moisturizer: After bathing, apply a rich cream or ointment before skin is fully dry. Petroleum jelly is a low-cost and effective choice.

    4.  Skip harsh soaps: Many products contain drying detergents. These can leave skin feeling irritated and dry. Look for products that don’t contain alcohol or fragrances.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • 4 “S”S Of An Exercise Plan

    BE FIT

    Image of athletic shoes and a bottle of water.

    1.Sweat.Walking, jogging, stair climbing or biking are aerobic exercises. They get your heart pumping and your body sweating. These exercises are good for heart health and help to shed pounds.

    2.Strengthen.You don’t have to lift weights to get healthier muscles. Push-ups, using a resistance band, or lifting cans of soup will help tone your muscles. These exercises help build stronger bones, too.

    3.Stay still.Balance is an important way to help prevent falls and make you more coordinated. Try standing on one leg, using an exercise ball, or practicing yoga or tai chi.

    4.Stretch.Muscles need to be flexible to help prevent injury or soreness. Stretch gently after each workout as part of your cool-down.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • 4 Tips For Lunchtime Walking

    WORK LIFE

    Coworkers walking outside.

    Sometimes lunchtime is the only time you have to exercise. That’s OK! Walking at lunch can boost your health. Here’s how to succeed:

    1.  Keep walking shoes and clothes at work. Then you don’t have to remember them each day.

    2.  Ask others to go with you. Having a friend can make walking more fun.

    3.  Put it in your calendar. If it’s scheduled, you may be more likely to do it.

    4.  Pack a lunch each day. Have healthy food ready to eat when you’re done.

    Source: American Heart Association

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • 4 Ways To Save Money At Home

    FINANCIAL HEALTH

    Young couple smiling and holding money.

    Homes come with costs. Rent, mortgage, utilities and other expenses can add up. Here are some ways to save right at home that can help your wallet.

    Unsubscribe from advertising.

    Getting emails from stores and companies can tempt you to buy things you don’t really need.

    Cool down the water heater.

    Turn down the water heater 10 degrees and you can save 5 percent on water heating costs.

    Check your insurance.

    Shop for homeowners insurance every year or two. You may find a cheaper plan with the same coverage.

    Source: American Academy of Family Physicians

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • 5 Things About Natural Anxiety Remedies

    SELF-CARE CORNER

    Man getting a chair massage.

    Nearly everyone has anxiety at times. Stressful situations and important events can make you feel edgy or anxious.

    Sometimes, however, anxiety becomes a health problem. It happens frequently and it interferes with your life. This is called an anxiety disorder. If this happens to you, see your doctor. Treatments can help, including therapy and medications. Don’t try natural remedies for an anxiety disorder unless your doctor recommends it.

    People who have mild anxiety or occasional stress may look for “natural” or complementary health remedies.

    1.  Acupuncture is a popular natural anxiety treatment. It involves placing thin needles into the top layer of skin in certain points on the body. If you decide to try acupuncture, see a licensed practitioner who uses sterile, single-use needles.

    2.  Massage therapy can be relaxing and can feel good on tight, tense muscles. It may help some people with mild stress or occasional anxiety.

    3.  Mindfulness meditation is a practice of focusing on the present moment. It involves breathing, guided imagery and other methods. It may benefit people who have occasional stress or anxious feelings.

    4.  Relaxation techniques like deep breathing or relaxing music can lower anxiety before stressful events like medical procedures.

    5.  Don’t try herbs or dietary supplements without talking to your doctor first. Most of them haven’t been proven to help with stress or anxiety. And some can cause health problems or have dangerous interactions with medications.

    If you have anxiety or stress, talk with your health care provider. Together, you can find treatments or options that will help you live a healthy life.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • 6 Ways To Boost Productivity

    WORK LIFE

    Three co-workers sitting at table working.

    When you feel productive, getting tasks done can seem effortless. But, productivity often doesn’t happen on its own. Boost productivity and crush your to-do list.

    Cut out distractions

    Silence your phone and turn off email notifications. Give yourself 15 to 30 minutes of uninterrupted work at a time. Check your phone or take a stretch break every time you finish a work block.

    Write goals down

    Take a moment in the morning to write a clear to-do list. Focus on the things you must get done, not wishful thinking. A clear goal is more likely to be achieved.

    Break tasks up

    Instead of trying to tackle the whole project at once, break it up into smaller tasks. Each piece should feel manageable, making the entire project easier to achieve from start to finish.

    Collaborate

    Team meetings may seem like a time-waster, but in reality, collaborating with others boosts productivity. Regular check-ins keep everyone on track and hold you accountable for getting positive results.

    Take a break

    Working pedal to the metal is a recipe for burnout. Regular breaks refresh and energize you making you more productive in the long run. A 10-minute break every hour is a reasonable goal.

    Move more

    Physical activity during the workday can make you more productive. Movement increases alertness and energy. Try a standing desk, stretching, or walking breaks to get the blood flowing.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine