August 1 is National Girlfriends Day. Celebrate your friendship and this national holiday by encouraging each other to live healthier lives.
Friends can encourage you, work out with you, and help you to stay on the right track. Here are some tips provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to help you and your friends stay healthy and safe.
Use time with your friends to encourage healthy choices. You can even find ways to spend time together and get physical activity, such as walking, dancing or swimming. If you are eating together, be sure to include fruits and vegetables. Even when it seems impossible try to avoid the ever tempting plate of cookies and bag of chips.
- Be active for at least two-and-a-half hours a week. Children and teens need at least one hour of activity daily.
- Exercise with friends and get the many benefits of regular physical activity (i.e., reduce your risk of disease, improve your mood, strength your bones and muscles, control your weight and increase your chances of living longer).
- Avoid portion size pitfalls. When eating out split an entrée with a friend.
- Find ways to cut calorie intake and still feel full. For example, drink water and increase your consumption of fruits and vegetables.
You talk to your friend about everything. Why not include her in your wellness check-ups? Encourage each other to be in total control of your health. If you know she’s visiting the doctor, or needs to, make sure to support her in her quest to be healthy. Remember all women need routine exams. A well woman visit is a great place to start and focuses on your overall health. For more information about your well woman visit and for a list of screenings for women, click here.
Don’t let the love and encouragement stop after midnight on National Girlfriends’ day; continue to support your friends and help them to live a healthier life every day of the year.
