Prevention of illness is the best medicine!  Follow as many of these guidelines as you possibly can:

      DON’T SMOKE – or at least cut down and switch to a very low tar and nicotine cigarette.

      SEATBELTS – should be worn whenever you are in a car.

      LIMIT SALT IN YOUR DIET – it is the major cause of elevated blood pressure.

      LIMIT HIGH CHOLESTEROL FOODS –  limit to two to three eggs, and two to three servings of whole milk and other dairy products and red meat each week.

      KEEP YOUR WEIGHT DOWN

      KEEP ALCOHOL INTAKE TO A MINIMUM—any drinking that interferes with your functioning (driving, work, family, etc.) is excessive.

      GET REGULAR EXERCISE – 20 – 30 minutes of aerobic exercise at least 3 – 4 days per week is recommended.

      HAVE BLOOD PRESSURE CHECKED OFTEN.

      GET ENOUGH REST, RELAXATION, AND VACATION TIME.

      HAVE A COMPLETE HEALTH UPDATE ANNUALLY.

      KEEP IMMUNIZATIONS UP TO DATE.

      COUNSELING – Consider counseling for family or personal problems.  Stress, anxiety and depression contribute to most physical problems.

      LIMIT CAFFEINE – intake should be kept to 3 cups per day including coffee, tea, and soda pop.  Also avoid eating excessive amounts of chocolate.

      INCREASE FIBER – eat more fruits, vegetables and whole grain cereals and breads.

Please visit our “Patient Education” section for printable handouts on the above items as well as the “Video” section for a brief video on Smoking Cessation!