Community Magazine May 2013

KELLY MASSRY (shõ•trä) n . An outstanding homemaker [Arabic] Shaatra Does It Staying Healthy As the family matriarchs, women have tremendous influence over the lives of their husbands and children. This is both a fact and a privilege. By making conscientious and deliberate choices, we can influence them to do the same, ingraining lifelong habits that will truly make a difference. In no area is this more evident than in that of health and fitness – because the way we eat and carry ourselves directly affects our lifespan. Here are some tips for living a healthy, energetic life: Drink enough water Experts recommend drinking eight full glasses a day, though if you’re always on the go, or like me, immune to the pangs of thirst, you don’t come close to that. Try this: in the morning, line up eight glasses on your kitchen counter and drink them throughout the day. Or measure out eight glasses’ worth before you leave the house. A glass, stainless or reusable water bottle is better than plastic. Then, drink, drink, drink! Hydration will raise your metabolism, allow fat to efficiently burn, and raise your energy level. And who among us couldn’t use more energy? Note: Drinking coffee, tea or soda will have the opposite effect on the body – dehydrating you and blocking everything that water enables to flow free; so limit these beverages. Eat a good breakfast You’ve heard that breakfast is the most important meal of the day – well, it’s true! A good breakfast gets your brain cells firing, empowering you for what’s ahead. Ideally, our first meal should include at least four grams of fiber. Cereal is a good source for this, as you’ve seen advertised, but spruce up this common morning food by adding seeds or nuts to the top layer. Even better, top off your meal with a piece of fruit. Then, as you proceed through the day, be mindful of the fact that this should have been your heaviest meal; experts recommend a lighter lunch and an even lighter dinner. This is the most effective calorie-burning system we can put ourselves on. Exercise A walk after dinner provides an excellent cardiovascular workout. Then, of course, there are other forms which have become highly popular in recent years: zumba, yoga, pilates, weight training, and so on. Whatever you choose, make workouts a key part of your schedule. Tell others your exercise time is non- negotiable (except for emergencies). Exercise is not a recreational activity; it’s a necessity. Though if you enjoy exercising, you’ll do it more frequently – so yes, pick something you like doing! Get enough sleep Experts recommend getting 6-8 hours a night. This oft-neglected part of your life is essential to health and wellbeing. The most obvious benefit is that it will keep you alert and productive the next day. But there are other effects, too. Sleep bolsters memory, and helps prevent stress, thus protecting against heart attack. There’s also a link between sleep deprivation and cancer: extended exposure to light reduces melatonin levels, a hormone that suppresses the growth of tumors. So go to sleep earlier, regardless of how hard the habit is to establish. You will feel better the next morning and put a string of protections in place against illness. Remember, you are your family’s role model, the one who sets the rhythm for daily living. They are constantly watching you and emulating your habits. Do not take this responsibility lightly. With your example, send the message: “Do as I do , not just as I say.” READERS TIPS I t is just as significant to maintain good mental health as it is to maintain good physical health. One way of enhancing your mental health is by doing something fulfilling - whether that means going back to school, getting a job, or taking up a hobby. Having something that is purely your own will make you a happier and more fulfilled person. Do that thing you always wanted to do but never thought you could – and watch your mood improve. E . D. D ownload a “Health and Fitness” app for daily articles and advice. A . S. B uy “the dirty dozen” organic to avoid pesticide residue. They include: apples, celery, strawberries, peaches, spinach, nectarines, grapes, sweet bell peppers, potatoes, blueberries, lettuce and kale. S. S. Send in your tips for the next edition PARTY PLANNING mobile: Scan the QR code at right online: go.CommunityM.com/ask email: Ask@CommunityM.com facsimile: 718-504-4246 postal mail: 1616 Ocean Parkway, Brooklyn, NY 11223 76 Community magazine