Dr. Boyd Lyles's Helpful Healthy Tips

Helpful, Healthy Tips to Take Better Care of Myself

As Americans look for ways to take better care of themselves -- both to improve and maintain their health, and to cut healthcare spending -- Dr. Boyd Lyles, Chief Medical Officer of U.S. Preventive Medicine, provides the following guidance for adopting a healthier lifestyle in 2009.

Take Baby Steps
Don’t try to change more than one bad habit at a time. Overeating, making poor food choices, not exercising and smoking is a sure route to failure.  One way to avoid becoming overwhelmed and quitting before you have made progress is to tackle one habit at a time.  If you need to change your diet, add exercise, and quit smoking, start by changing your diet or becoming more physically active.  All other changes are easier once you have successfully tackled the first challenge.  For example, most find it easier to quit smoking once they’ve begun eating better and exercising.

Take a Multi-Vitamin
No matter how good your diet, you're likely deficient in your recommended intake of fruits and vegetables -- especially dark leafy greens.  You needn't take an expensive multivitamin. Just read the label and be sure it contains RDAs close to 100 percent in the basics:  the Bs, C, D, and E.

Consume Fluids
While there's no defined minimum of fluid intake per day, remaining hydrated is essential for optimal function and stamina.  Caffeinated beverages don't really count.  The best beverage is water.