Blue Cross Blue Sheild: Mirror Mirror

Here we are two months into another year. Wonder what happened to that New Year's resolution? You know, the one about exercise and diet. For many of us, that resolution lasted until Valentine's Day when we screamed for chocolate!

Eating a couple of pieces of candy may be acceptable on special occasions. But we cannot just toss out a healthy diet with those chocolates someone taste-tested. When you look in the mirror, do you see a vibrant, happy and healthy specimen? 0r do you see something resembling a couch potato; someone who does not exercise, except to roll off the sofa and waddle over to the cabinet for another bag of chips and some cookies, then trek on to the fridge to get fat-free dip and a sugar filled soda?

If you see yourself in between healthy and a couch potato, it is not too late to mend your ways. Rededicate your life to healthier living today (or tomorrow morning). If you are searching for a fun, inexpensive exercise that can be done almost anywhere, try walking. This is a low impact exercise that may help you lose weight, energize you and make you feel better about yourself. Walking is one of the safest, cheapest forms of exercise that strengthens the heart and lungs. Walking also helps fight the battle of the bulge by reducing fat and building muscle. Be sure to consult your doctor before beginning an exercise routine; then get moving.

It All Adds Up
Unfortunately, as we age, a number of things start catching up with us: our bad eating habits, lack of exercise, lack of sleep and the other vices that we indulged in over the years can cause a number of health issues.

High blood pressure may rank among the top problems. Many people wake up every day and are not aware they are affected by high blood pressure. That is because they do not have their
pressure checked regularly and are not experiencing any symptoms. Elevated blood pressure may contribute to serious health problems - even death.

High blood pressure or hypertension, causes the heart to work harder and can lead to heart disease, strokes, kidney failure, eye damage, congestive heart failure and arteriosclerosis.

Hypertension can be controlled through lifestyle changes, medication or both. Make sure your lifestyle does not put you at a health risk - avoid smoking, drinking alcohol excessively and being overweight
Have your blood pressure checked by a medical professional at least once a year, even if you are not yet 40 years old. High blood pressure can complicate the health of anyone, regardless of age.

Diet
One of the most effective ways to improve your overall health is to follow a well-balanced diet that is low in saturated fats.
Following this diet will make you feel better and reduce the risk of certain conditions, such as high blood pressure and heart disease.

Fresh fruits, vegetables, legumes, lean meat, fish, grains and unsaturated fats make up a healthy diet Also, pay attention to what you eat if you crave an unhealthy food, eat it in small quantities. Do not deprive yourself - that may cause you to binge later. Certain foods just seem to call out your name. Also, do not allow stress, loneliness or anxiety to determine what you eat. Using food as an emotional crutch can have a negative affect on your mental and physical well-being. Instead of eating when you are not hungry grab a good book and read; take a walk; visit a friend; or clean out a closet Remember, busy hands and mind will keep your attention away from snacks.

Excuses
Most families lead busy lives and use their lifestyles as an excuse for not following a healthy diet Eating out and take-home meals can make it difficult to eat the right foods. But it can be done.

Plan ahead before you purchase a meal. Do not stop and pick up fried foods, foods in heavy sauces and gooey desserts. Instead, choose steamed, broiled or grilled; low-fat cuts of meat such as London broil, flank steak or lean ground beef; and choose fruit for dessert If you want something cold and sweet, choose frozen fruit bars.

The Future Is Uncertain
You are young - or you feel young - tight now. You may not want to think about what happens when your health fails. But now, when you feel good, is the time to make plans for your care before you reach your senior years. Who will care for you; how will you pay for your care or a family member's long-term care?

In Alabama, long-term care costs average $50,000 for a person each year. Costs are higher in some other states. Currently, less than 20 percent of long-term care is provided in a nursing home. Most care is provided at home by home-health care agencies or in the community Adult day care is a new option for some, while others are moving into assisted living communities.

Preferred LTC, long-term care insurance from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama, is a solution for many families realizing the vital need for long-term care. It helps people with chronic conditions function more independently, protects their assets and reduces the burden for family caregivers.

For more information on long-term care and the options available for you and your family members, visit www.preferredltc.com.