Tips for a Long and Healthy Life, from Silver Cross

How healthy are you? Do you make healthy food choices? Do you exercise regularly? Do you drink at least eight glasses of water a day? Do you get enough sleep every day? 

If you answered no to many of these questions, then it’s time to assess your overall health.

Over 65 percent of Americans are either obese or overweight. Oftentimes our hectic professional and personal lives don’t allow us to make taking care of ourselves a priority. But there is help to get you living a healthier life, and it may be easier than you think.

A sponsored article by Silver Cross Hospital.

“No matter how old you are, you have the ability to positively impact how long you live, and how active and vital you feel in your later years,” said Deirdra Greathouse-Williams, M.D., family practice physician on staff at Silver Cross Hospital. “By following some basic healthy diet and exercise habits, people can dramatically improve their overall health.”

Changes in your behavior can truly increase your chances of a longer and healthier life. Here are some simple tips:

1. Maintain a healthy weight.
2. Don't smoke.
3. Stay hydrated. Drink eight glasses of water a day.
4. Build a strong social network of family and friends.
5. Participate in physical and mental activities every day.
6. Eat a healthy diet rich in whole grains, vegetables and fruits, and substitute healthier monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats for unhealthy saturated fats and trans fats. 
7. See a dentist regularly and be sure to floss regularly.
8. Constantly challenge your mind. Keep learning and trying new activities.
9. Ask your doctor if medication can help you control the long-term side effects of chronic conditions such as high blood pressure, osteoporosis, or high cholesterol.

Free Lecture  

Want to live a long and healthy life? Join Dr. Deirdra Greathouse-Williams, family practice physician on staff at Silver Cross Hospital, for a free presentation — Preventative Medicine — on Tuesday, Dec. 4 from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in the Silver Cross Hospital Conference Center, Pavilion A, 1890 Silver Cross Blvd., New Lenox. Dr. Greathouse-Williams will share helpful tips and lifestyle changes to prevent common diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular, diabetes and obesity. Participants will be entered in a drawing for a free Baseline Heart Screening at Silver Cross Hospital. Call 1-888-660-HEAL or register online at www.silvercross.org.

Visit Silver Cross Hospital's Find-A-Physician website.