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witnessing the passing of an aunt from breast cancer after detecting it too late, I have a renewed
commitment to my health and wellness.
Each of them, before they died told me their health crises could have been averted by listening more
closely to what their bodies were telling them. I’ve cried and shed tears over their deaths—both were
very close to me—but now their journey is over.
However, I’m still here. God has seen fit to let me live to see another year and I want to make the
most of it. How about you?
These traumatic life experiences were very unpleasant for me, but yet have had positive results by
serving as a real catalyst for change. I’m reevaluating lots of things in my life and seeing which areas I
can improve in.
Here is what I’m focusing on this year to be healthier and you can do it too!
1. Diet. With the new simplified food pyramid introduced by First Lady Michelle Obama in 2011 I
can easily find out if I have balanced diet. I already know I need to increase my fruit and vegetable
intake, and cut back a little more on the fried foods. Pay attention to your diet and see what you need
to increase or decrease.
2. Exercise. I teach Zumba and Pilates classes at my local fitness studio, which forces me to stay
active even when I don’t want to! If you’re not a workout instructor like me, however, it can be easy
to put off working out. So try to bump up your efforts to get enough exercise time in, commit to
finding a way to do better in 2012. Hook up with some friends, or invest in a in-home DVD workout.
3. Stress. What things keep your stomach in knots and fill you with anxiety? Some of these
stressors can be reduced or completely eliminated. For example, if you are spread too thin, use the
beginning of 2012 to get rid of unnecessary obligations that may be hidden time-sappers. Also, if
your relationships are draining you, figure out a way to invest in the important ones in a healthy way,
with a goal of putting you first. There also may be toxic relationships you may need to altogether
eliminate.
4. Sleep. Are you getting enough shuteye? If you’re like thousands of other women, the answer is a
resounding no! Did you know that the body needs roughly 7.5 hours of sleep per night to function
happily and healthily? It’s true! And researchers say the more sleep you get, the less inclined you are
to be depressed, irritable, stressed, and unfocused. Get some rest in 2012.
5. Spiritual Diet. You didn’t think I was going to focus on getting healthier without including your
spiritual intake did you? Communing with God and hearing Him speak through His word is so
important. How often did you steal away for worship and alone time with God in 2011? However
frequently or infrequently you did it in 2011, commit to doing an even greater job nourishing your
spiritual health in 2012 And don’t forget to go to church. According to a new study published in the
International Journal of Psychiatry in Medicine, researchers said church attendance can lower your
blood pressure. How’s that for incentive to make it out on Sunday morning?
Total health and wellness is not focused on one single aspect of your life. We are tri-partite beings.
We must care for our spirit, soul, and body. Let 2012 be your year to do that more and better than
ever before!
Here’s to a happy, healthy new year.
Got health questions or feedback? Email health@eewmagazine.com.
commitment to my health and wellness.
Each of them, before they died told me their health crises could have been averted by listening more
closely to what their bodies were telling them. I’ve cried and shed tears over their deaths—both were
very close to me—but now their journey is over.
However, I’m still here. God has seen fit to let me live to see another year and I want to make the
most of it. How about you?
These traumatic life experiences were very unpleasant for me, but yet have had positive results by
serving as a real catalyst for change. I’m reevaluating lots of things in my life and seeing which areas I
can improve in.
Here is what I’m focusing on this year to be healthier and you can do it too!
1. Diet. With the new simplified food pyramid introduced by First Lady Michelle Obama in 2011 I
can easily find out if I have balanced diet. I already know I need to increase my fruit and vegetable
intake, and cut back a little more on the fried foods. Pay attention to your diet and see what you need
to increase or decrease.
2. Exercise. I teach Zumba and Pilates classes at my local fitness studio, which forces me to stay
active even when I don’t want to! If you’re not a workout instructor like me, however, it can be easy
to put off working out. So try to bump up your efforts to get enough exercise time in, commit to
finding a way to do better in 2012. Hook up with some friends, or invest in a in-home DVD workout.
3. Stress. What things keep your stomach in knots and fill you with anxiety? Some of these
stressors can be reduced or completely eliminated. For example, if you are spread too thin, use the
beginning of 2012 to get rid of unnecessary obligations that may be hidden time-sappers. Also, if
your relationships are draining you, figure out a way to invest in the important ones in a healthy way,
with a goal of putting you first. There also may be toxic relationships you may need to altogether
eliminate.
4. Sleep. Are you getting enough shuteye? If you’re like thousands of other women, the answer is a
resounding no! Did you know that the body needs roughly 7.5 hours of sleep per night to function
happily and healthily? It’s true! And researchers say the more sleep you get, the less inclined you are
to be depressed, irritable, stressed, and unfocused. Get some rest in 2012.
5. Spiritual Diet. You didn’t think I was going to focus on getting healthier without including your
spiritual intake did you? Communing with God and hearing Him speak through His word is so
important. How often did you steal away for worship and alone time with God in 2011? However
frequently or infrequently you did it in 2011, commit to doing an even greater job nourishing your
spiritual health in 2012 And don’t forget to go to church. According to a new study published in the
International Journal of Psychiatry in Medicine, researchers said church attendance can lower your
blood pressure. How’s that for incentive to make it out on Sunday morning?
Total health and wellness is not focused on one single aspect of your life. We are tri-partite beings.
We must care for our spirit, soul, and body. Let 2012 be your year to do that more and better than
ever before!
Here’s to a happy, healthy new year.
Got health questions or feedback? Email health@eewmagazine.com.
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coverage of black news and black entertainment from a Christian perspective. For daily news visit our companion blog at buzz.eewmagazine.com.
January 2-16
| EEWMAGAZINE.COM |
I love the new year because it gives me a fresh
start to tackle new challenges with great
optimism. My goal for 2012 is just to be an
overall healthier person. After seeing my
grandmother pass away from complications
brought on by unmanaged diabetes, and
start to tackle new challenges with great
optimism. My goal for 2012 is just to be an
overall healthier person. After seeing my
grandmother pass away from complications
brought on by unmanaged diabetes, and
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Be a Healthier You in 2012
Time to Make a Commitment to Greater Health This Year! EEW
Magazine Shares Our Tips
By By Rita Jamison, EEW Magazine Health Editor
Time to Make a Commitment to Greater Health This Year! EEW
Magazine Shares Our Tips
By By Rita Jamison, EEW Magazine Health Editor
[HEALTH MATTERS: HEALTHY TIP]