HealthyLife Articles

Tag: online

  • Use Social Media For Support

    Healthylife® Weigh

    Part 4

    People using social media.

    Today’s social world goes beyond the people you see on a daily basis. From Facebook to Twitter, Instagram to Snapchat, social media may be a big part of your life. Perhaps you follow friends, family, sports and entertainment personalities, or online groups and message boards.

    Social media can be a powerful, positive part of your healthy lifestyle change. What you read, see, and hear can affect your mood, knowledge, what you think is normal, and how you feel about yourself. It can also be negative and make it harder for you to reach your goals.

    Positive ways to use social media:

    *  Follow friends, nutritionists, and food bloggers who promote positive, healthy body and mind messages.

    *  Un-follow or block individuals who tend to post negative comments or who engage in arguments on social media.

    *  Share what inspires and motivates you on social media.

    *  Instead of reading or listening to short clips of news, read more investigative and thorough articles that make you think. Use this as food for thought on your next walk or in a discussion.

    *  Explore websites that bring people who share a common interest together. Join an outdoor adventure club or social group on MeetUp! (www.meetup.com).

    *  Support your friends and family who you see working to make changes in their lives, whether in health or another area of life.

    *  Follow friends, bloggers, or magazines that share ideas for meals, snacks, or workouts.

    *  Share what challenges you face and ask for support from friends & family.

    *  Share your goals to improve accountability.

    *  Note how much time you spend on social media sites. Could this time be spent planning a grocery list, going for a quick walk, or getting to bed earlier?

    Follow & Subscribe

    Tune into positive influencers on social media. Subscribe to recipe-packed magazines and blogs. Find new information, colorful ideas, and inspiring people to help you stay motivated and find social support.

    Magazines (and corresponding websites):

    *  Clean Eating (www.cleaneating.com)

    *  Eating Well (www.eatingwell.com)

    *  Cooking Light (www.cookinglight.com)

    *  Vegetarian Times (even if you’re not a vegetarian, this magazine provides great plant-based meal and snack ideas!)(www.vegetariantimes.com)

    *  Experience Life (www.experiencelifemag.com)

    Blogs & Social Media Accounts

    Pinterest (www.pinterest.com) – Think of Pinterest as a picture-book guide to meal plans, recipes, printables, workout ideas, and inspiration. This site offers much more than tips for healthy eating, but here are some search terms to get you started: “clean eating” “healthy recipes” “healthy (food item, like stir fry or quiche)” or “easy workouts.”

    @SproutedKitchen (Twitter, Instagram) andwww.sproutedkitchen.com– Whole foods inspiration and recipes

    @Veggieful (Twitter, Instragam)- Ideas for incorporating more fiber-rich, plant-based foods into your diet

    @Skinnytaste (Twitter, Instagram) andwww.skinnytaste.com– A healthy take on many easy, familiar recipes

    Content and advertising in these publications and websites may or may not reflect the opinion of the American Institute for Preventive Medicine or that of its Medical Review Board.

    Filter Your Social Media

    *  Who or what do I want to start following?

    *  Who or what do I need to stop following?

    *  How can I reduce the time I spend on social media?

    Comparing Yourself to Others

    Avoid physical comparisons with others. You will never look exactly like someone else. Instead, look at the qualities you admire in others.

    *  Who is someone I admire? What values does this person show by their actions? Underline the values you want to have yourself (e.g., sense of adventure).

    *  What actions can I take to start living one of those values?

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Protect Your Personal Information

    FINANCIAL HEALTH

    Image of laptop with shield and lock key.

    Identity theft is a serious crime. It happens when someone steals your personal information such as your social security number or credit card numbers and uses it without your permission. You may see mistakes or mystery charges on your bank, credit card, or other account statements. You may receive bills for products or services you never received. Protect your personal information, urges the Federal Trade Commission. Get detailed information online atwww.ftc.gov/idtheft.

    *Keep your important papers secure.Limit what you carry in your wallet or purse. Pick up new checks at the bank instead of having them mailed to your home. Take outgoing mail to a collection box or the post office. Don’t leave it in your mailbox. Shred sensitive documents, receipts, credit card offers, insurance forms, checks, bank statements, and similar documents.

    *Secure your social security number.Only give it out when necessary (and ask if you can use a different kind of identification).

    *Protect your computer and mobile devices.Use anti-virus software. Don’t open files or click on links sent by strangers. Remove the memory cards from mobile devices before recycling them.

    *Protect your data online.Keep your passwords private. Don’t over share on social networking sites. If you post too much information about yourself, an identity thief can use that information to answer challenging questions on your accounts (birthdays, mother’s name, pet names, high school).

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Smart Ways To Avoid Cybercrime

    FINANCIAL HEALTH

    Close up image of hands typing on laptop.

    Cybercrime is a growing problem as we rely on computers and the Internet more than ever before. Many people regularly shop online, send personal information, and even control appliances or household security over the Internet.

    Though this offers convenience, it’s important to take steps to keep your information and your family safe from cybercrime. Cybercrime happens every day with hackers stealing bank information, using computers to attack others, or erasing important online information.

    The U.S Department of Homeland Security recommends:

    *  Only use the Internet on a network that is password protected. Free or open networks may leave you vulnerable.

    *  Do not send personal information, such as your social security number or bank information, over the Internet. Companies will not ask you to send information this way.

    *  Do not open or respond to emails from people you don’t recognize and never click on the links inside the email.

    *  Use long, hard-to-guess passwords for all your devices and email accounts. Change your passwords regularly.

    *  Consider scaling back your social media sharing. Tighten privacy settings so only people you know well can see your activity.

    *  If you see an email or online offer that seems too good to be true, it’s probably a scam.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine