Nutrition:

Healthy eating is achieved through a balanced diet with a lot of variety. The World Health Organization offers some practical tips for maintaining a healthy diet.

Healthy diet on a budget: Eat out less often to keep your wallet fat but not your body.

Health Literacy:

Do you have a private insurance company? Utilize their nursing hotline to get help with understanding your primary care provider's recommendations and receive additional education. This benefit is usually included in the cost of your premiums, so take advantage!

Struggling to understand what your medications are for? Are you experiencing side effects and don't know what questions to ask your doctor? A nurse's guidance may be helpful.

Exercise:

Walking just two minutes after a meal can help improve digestion and blood sugar levels (Sports Medicine scientific article is here)

Ready to Change?:

Strategies to Help (American Association of Family Physicians):

• Set a SMART Goal - specific, measureable, attainable, relevant, timely

• Problem solve barriers - work with someone to figure out what is stopping you

• Self-monitoring - track your progress

• Make a contingency contract - "If I (complete my SMART goal), I will reward myself (will a healthy and fulfilling treat).