Your exercise tip – The magic p
ill
Having busy lifestyles these days, means we tend to lower our priority on health beneficial activities and increase time spent on things that are not so good for us. As a consequence of these choices, time available and awareness of our health loss, I hear from people the statement ‘I wish I could just take a pill’.
Your body does not become unhealthy overnight especially if you have looked after yourself and been reasonably active previously, it does take time and a certain amount of neglect. Getting yourself back into shape from that point takes time; The longer you neglect yourself, the longer the restoration to your previous levels (especially as we age). Making healthier choices, no matter how small, and making time for exercise, no matter how little, is better than doing nothing, and can help stem the flow.
The magic pill does is not here for us, but time is. Use it wisely.
Your health tip – Balance out your time in the sun this summer
In our fierce Australian summer, damage to our skin can happen in minutes from strong UV rays, leading to short term and sometimes more serious long term health issues. So how much is enough? Read the Cancer Council of Australians national cancer control policy (position statement) for your guide to time in the sun this year.
Exercise of the week
This week we are covering the standing stretch for your quadriceps. This is a good stretch to release some pressure from tight muscles, off the knee and the hips.
Tips to this exercise are:
- When stretching a leg, use the hand of the same side to pull your foot upwards, not the opposite hand as it can put undue pressure through the knee.
- Hold the stretch for a minute or more if you are trying to make a more lasting improvement in that muscle group.
- Try and keep the shoulders back in an upright (neutral) position while stretching. If you are not feeling much of a stretch, lean slightly rearwards and squeeze the bum muscles.
- If it is painful stop.
Your life tip
When you are confused or in doubt, take a breath and pause. This can help with clarity and less anxiety.
This week’s wise words
The most reliable way to try and predict the future is aiming to create it.
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Have a great week and keep healthy in 2016. David.