Posted on Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Did you know that the Educational Television Network created Healthy Aging Month more than 15 years ago? Now, as it was back then, they want to focus national attention on the positive aspects of growing older.
Maxim Healthcare Services believes that all of us, especially nursing professionals, can live better, longer, and stronger by developing healthier lifestyles. Here are some tips that have been tailored to nurses and your daily role in working with patients:
1) Improve your physical fitness: A fit nurse is a healthy nurse, as well as a great role model for patients. It’s recommended that you exercise 30 to 60 minutes a day. Start with walking, jogging slowly, riding a bike, or taking a spin class at the fitness center. Most importantly, find a friend or exercise partner so you’re both making a commitment to exercise regularly.
2) Improve your diet: Remember the “Five a Day” rule by making sure you add five fresh fruits and vegetables daily in your diet. Eat more salads and drink more fruit juices in the hospital cafeteria. Eliminate fried, fatty foods. Buy local produce and lean meats. If you don’t have time to cook, make simple meals from scratch. Skip processed foods as much as possible and avoid fast food restaurants.
3) Improve your mental wellness: Keep your mental acuity by doing a daily puzzle such as Sudoku. Watch “Jeopardy” or other mind-stimulating TV programs. Start playing a musical instrument. Join a book club. Read more magazines. Take more Continuing Education courses to further your career or sign up for one-day seminars to entertain your mind.
4) Improve your social wellness: Since you give so much every day to those around you, consider giving yourself a treat on the social scene. Go out on the town with friends or loved ones. Call a friend or relative a few times a week to talk. See a movie. Meet a friend for breakfast. Take a hike. Volunteer at a local non-profit. The more you can do to engage others socially, the better you’ll feel about yourself.
September may be Healthy Aging Month, but why not keep this healthy momentum going all year long? Visit Maxim Nurses for more tips and information to help live a healthy, long life.