HealthyLife Articles

Tag: tracking

4 Behaviors For A Healthy Wallet

FINANCIAL HEALTH

1. Make a budget and stick to it.

Many money experts will tell you that you need to know where your money is going each month. Creating a budget helps to see how much you spend on certain things and where you can cut back to save even more.

2. Check your credit report each year.

You are entitled to a free credit report once per year. This is an important step to help spot identity theft early. Your credit report can affect your mortgage rate and ability to get a loan.

3. Shop around for a good APR on your next loan.

The annual percentage rate (APR) on a loan is an important number. This is the total cost, including fees and interest, described as a yearly rate. The APR can vary widely between banks or lenders. It pays to take some extra time to find the best rate. Make sure you understand exactly what you will pay.

4. Put money away for an emergency fund.

Having an emergency fund offers peace of mind and protection from unexpected costs. Even a few dollars a week can add up, so save what you can.

Paycheck checkup

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) says employees should look at their paycheck withholdings each year. Withholdings are taxes that are taken out of your paycheck.

It’s especially important to check your withholdings in 2018, the IRS says. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, signed in December 2017, may change how much you want withheld.

The IRS has a withholding calculator on their website at:apps.irs.gov/app/withholdingcalculator. This calculator can help you be sure that you aren’t having too much or too little tax withheld from your paychecks.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Better Health Is In Your Pocket

SELF-CARE CORNER

Most people spend time every day on their smartphone or tablet. Why not put that time to good use by downloading an app that can help you improve your health? There are thousands of health apps available to suit many different health goals and personality types. Check out some of these health apps you can start using today:

Relax Melodies by Ipnos Software(for iPhone and Android)

Quality sleep and stress management are an important part of good health. This app lets you choose your favorite sounds to create a personalized relaxing song that helps you relieve stress and sleep better.

Calorie Counter by MyFitnessPal(for Android)

For those trying to make better food choices or lose weight, sometimes knowing how much you eat can make a big difference. This app allows you to track food intake and exercise with a large food database. Connect with other users for encouragement and support.

Diet Controller by Margaret Dangerfield(for iPhone)

This app can help you view your eating and fitness activities on your devices. Log and track your daily food intake with a USDA-based food database. Users also can create charts and reports while tracking nutrients, calories and exercise.

Hydro Coach by Codium App Ideas(for Android) orWater App by Inspiring Life Technologies(for iPhone)

Drinking water is an easy, healthy way to fight fatigue and may help you consume fewer calories. These apps are designed to help you track how much you’re drinking and to offer reminders when it’s time for another glass.

Quitter’s Circle by Pfizer Inc. and the American Lung Association(for iPhone and Android)

For those trying to quit smoking, this app allows you to create a personalized quit plan, connect with others for support, get quitting tips, and celebrate milestones.

Hundreds of health-related apps are available today – and many of them cost less than $10. Try an app that suits your life for a high-tech way to be healthier!

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Every Step Helps

BE FIT

You know exercising is great for you, but it’s hard to find time to do it. If going to the gym sounds impossible, why not walk? Research says that walking for just 30 minutes each day will improve your health. For those who are really short on time, you can even break those 30 minutes up. Walk for 10 minutes, three times a day – and you’re getting health benefits.

The National Institutes of Health says regular exercise like walking can:

* Improve high blood pressure

* Lower your risk of heart disease

* Strengthen muscles and bones

* Improve type 2 diabetes

* Give you more energy

* Help you manage stress

* Reduce feelings of depression

With exercise, every step helps. You don’t need fancy equipment or even a gym membership to get healthier – and you can start today.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Set A Resolution That Works For You

BE FIT

“What’s your New Year’s resolution?” It’s a question many people hear – and ask – when Jan. 1 approaches. But, after a couple of weeks of hard work, life often interferes and that resolution gets forgotten.

But what if you could stick with that resolution this year? Try these tips from the American Diabetes Association:

*Be realistic.Rather than push yourself to do several major things, pick just one – such as walking.

*Be specific.For instance, write down how often you will work out (5 days a week for 30 minutes) or that you will eat fruit instead of sweets. Schedule it in your calendar so other things are less likely to interfere.

*Get back on track after setbacks.If you slip up, forgive yourself and start new tomorrow. Don’t abandon your healthy goals because of one mistake.

Good health is a great goal to work towards – at New Year’s or any time of the year.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Tips For Keeping A Food Diary

HEALTHY EATING

If you’re trying to lose weight or simply want to eat healthier, keeping a food diary can help. Often times, we eat little bites here and there that don’t seem like much, but calories from them can add up quickly. A food diary will help you see everything you eat and drink so you can be more aware of extra calories or unhealthy choices. It can also help you see if you are eating because of stress or emotions. Then, you can find ways to stop these habits.

A food diary doesn’t have to be complicated. Food diary apps are available, but they’re not necessary. The American Academy of Family Physicians and the CDC say you should write down these things:

* What you ate and drank

* The time you ate meals and snacks

* Where you ate and any other activity you were doing (watching TV, checking emails, etc.)

* Who you were with

* How you were feeling (before, during, and after eating)

Don’t rely on your memory at the end of the day. It’s too difficult to remember every bite or sip. Instead, have the diary with you and write things down as soon as you can. Being honest and taking note of everything you eat and drink can help you see your eating patterns and pinpoint ways you can make healthy changes.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Where Does The Money Go?

FINANCIAL HEALTH

Regular expenses are a necessary part of life. In your household, you probably have a certain amount of money coming in and a different amount going out.

Even if you have a rough idea of how much you spend, tracking your monthly expenses can help you find out a lot about your money. Small amounts here and there can quickly add up. For one month, write down everything you spend on bills, food, gas, clothes, and any other purchases – even your morning latte. Then, you can look for ways to cut back on unnecessary costs. Money you have left at the end of the month can be saved for an emergency fund or for future needs.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026