Changing eating habits
Drink water and low-fat milk in between meals instead of soft drinks. Use less butter, salt, dressings, and condiments on your foods so that you gradually learn to enjoy the natural taste of food. Once you do those fast foods and junk foods won’t be so appealing. I know; I used to be a fast food, fried food, junk food junkie myself.
Water retention can lead to serious health problems or may be a symptom of serious health problems. If diet changes and drinking water do not make a difference, you should consult your physician.
Fatigue
Although modern technology has made daily life less physically demanding, doctors are seeing more people who complain of fatigue. Why are so many people suffering from fatigue?
Lois,
New York N.Y.
Fatigue can be brought on by physical or emotional factors. Generally, if the cause is physical, the fatigue is worse in the evening and relieved by sleep. If the cause is emotional, fatigue is usually worse in the morning and let’s up toward evening.
Possible physical causes include poor eating and sleeping habits, an imbalance in electrolytes, anemia, lingering cold or flu symptoms, underlying infectious diseases and endocrine or neurologic disorders.
Possible emotional causes include burnout, boredom, major changes in life such as divorce or unemployment and depression.
Some tips that can help increase your energy level whether the cause is physical or emotional include eating a healthy diet, making sure you get enough rest and sleep, changing your routine so that you add something interesting to your day and doing exercise. Exercise acts as an energizer when you feel sluggish and a tranquilizer if you’re weary or anxious.
Before starting your fitness program, consult your physician. Join me every Wednesday from 6 to 8 p.m. at Sayre Beacon School, 58th and Walnut streets, for Family Fitness Night. Kids and adults can join me for double Dutch, line dance, kung-fu, women’s self-defense, hip-hop dance, arts and crafts, basketball, or just get in the best shape of your life. And it’s all free! Call (215) 471-5219 for more details. Attention West Philadelphia High School grads of 1967. Please contact Audrey Walden at (267) 975-9043 or Vince Faust at (267) 975-4724 for more information. West needs your help! If you have a fitness question or concern you would like addressed write to “Tips to be Fit” P O Box 53443 Philadelphia PA 19105, vincefaust@gmail.com or call (215) 387-3081. If you miss information from the “Tips to be Fit “ column go to www.phila-tribune.com and search “Tips to be Fit.”
Listen to Tips to be Fit with Vince on WDAS FM 105.3. |