Adults - Healthy Santa Clarita

Exercise ... Your Inner Strength

While leading a busy life filled with careers, families and friends, it can be difficult to take time out of the day to stay active.  Who wants to get up at five in the morning to go to the gym?  Who has the energy after a long day of work?

But being active is not just about looking good in that summer swimsuit. 

Physical activity is directly linked to your overall health and well-being.

Physical activity can increase your energy levels as well as reduce the risk of various diseases including Type 2 Diabetes and heart disease. In addition, exercising promotes self esteem and promotes a happier mental state.  Physical activity can give you more energy and some studies show that it helps combat depression.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services suggests that adults should get at least 30 minutes of physical activity each day. Though this may seem difficult to fit into your schedule, exercise can be cumulative.  You don’t have to do it all at once!

Here are a few ways you can get out and get moving:

• If you have kids, play an outdoor game with them such as tag or baseball
• Take the dog out for a walk
• Head to the gym for a quick workout
• Walk or ride your bike to and from work
• Take a stroll with your spouse to catch up on the day's activities
• Run the office stairs on your lunch break

These are just a few options to help you stay healthy and fit. Staying physically active will help improve your flexibility, cardiovascular functions, coordination and strength. Make 30 minutes of time out of your day active.

Wellness Eating

Good health is not just about exercise.  Maintaining a healthy diet is equally important to your well-being.  But “diet” doesn’t need to be a four-letter-word.  And it doesn’t mean you have to deny yourself food.

• Fruits, vegetables, grains and low-fat foods
• Proteins such as lean meats, poultry, fish, beans and eggs
• Food low in saturated fats, trans fats and cholesterol

In addition, when shopping at the grocery store plan ahead for upcoming meals including dinners, weekends and children’s lunches. This will save you time, money, and allow you to eat healthfully all the time.

Since our bodies need a specific amount of calories each day, be sure that you are making the most of your calories.

Following the tips above will help you on your way to a healthy lifestyle, and provide your body with optimum nutrition.

To keep track of your eating habits click here for a printable sheet.

For more information on health and nutrition, visit the U.S. Department of Agriculture website at www.usda.gov .

Food: Playing it Safe

Knowing how to prepare, store and handle food will help keep you and your family safe and healthy as well. Here are a few safety tips:

• Clean your hands, food-contact surfaces, fruits and vegetables to ensure that bacteria does not spread from food to food.
• Be sure to separate raw, cooked and ready-to-eat foods while grocery shopping, preparing and storing.
• Refrigerate perishable food items and thaw items properly to minimize spoiling
• Cook meat, poultry and fish to a safe internal temperature.

With these tips, you are well on your way to leading a nutritious and healthy life. Take the time to sit down with your family and set goals to achieve nutrition. You can challenge yourself to eat a variety of foods each day.

Use this form to keep track of your progress. If you can’t remember the food groups to choose from, click here to take a look.

I want to personally thank you for taking the time to make healthy living an important part of your life. Making good choices in your food, drink and daily exercise plan will help you live longer and live healthier!

Sincerely,

Marsha McLean
Mayor