Your Body: An Owners Manual

Our bodies don’t come with warranties and there are no trade-ins! So to ensure years of trouble-free operation, you have to take good care of your body, inside and out.

Fuel It Up With Good Nutrition

Nutritious food choices are the best fuel for your body. Your quantities and eating habits also help determine how efficiently your body operates, and how long it will continue to run reliably. Check your diet against these quick tips:

• Reach for whole grains, light or nonfat dairy, and lean proteins.

• Make half your plate fresh fruits and vegetables.

• Choose foods and drinks with little or no added sugars.

• Go easy on the salt and the sodium in the foods you buy.

• Eat the right amount of calories for you.

• If you’re still eating according to the old food pyramid principles, you should know the dietary guidelines have changed. Find out more at www.ChooseMyPlate.gov.

Extended Performance Requires Regular Exercise

You don’t have to take up running to keep your body running in peak condition, but you do need regular exercise. Some activity is certainly better than none, however, the more you do, the greater the health benefits, and the longer your body will “run.” Here are some healthy bod guidelines:

• Get at least two hours and 30 minutes each week of aerobic physical activity that requires moderate effort (biking, dancing, tennis).

• Also do strengthening activities at least two days a week (lifting weights, pushups, sit-ups).

• Pick an activity you like and that fits your lifestyle so you’re more likely to stick with it.

• Work out with a friend. It will keep you motivated and be more enjoyable.

• Make physical activity part of your daily life. Walking is an easy way to add physical activity to your life. Take the stairs instead of the elevator and park further away from a building entrance.

• Mix it up. Try new activities to keep it interesting—hot yoga, wall climbing, suspension training—or revisit some old familiars—jumping rope, Jazzercise, roller-skating.

Better Maintenance Through Personal Hygiene

Keeping your body clean is one of the best ways to protect yourself, and others, from illness. Many diseases and conditions can be prevented through appropriate personal hygiene. Here’s a quick rundown of the body basics:

• Bathe or shower daily or every other day.

• Practice good dental hygiene with regular brushing and flossing.

• Wash your hands regularly. The CDC says this simple task is one of the most important steps we can take to avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others.

• Use mild soaps when cleaning external genitals and avoid douches, which can upset the vagina’s ability to clean itself.

One Body, One Owner

The journey along life’s highway is much more enjoyable when your body is functioning at its best. It’s up to you to keep steering it in the right direction!