“Preventive Maintenance” Tips for Healthier Living

• Get the right amount of sleep – an average of eight hours each night.
• Develop a diet around fruits, vegetables, lean meats and whole grain items.
• Choose lean meats. In order from leanest, they are buffalo and game meats, fish, turkey, chicken and pork, beef and lamb.
• Eat healthy meals – including breakfast – at regular times and choose fruit, raw vegetables and whole grains for snacks.
• Get active in a way that’s enjoyable – hike, bike, walk, jump rope – and you’re bound to make it a habit. Commit to getting 30 to 45 minutes of exercise at least three days each week.
• Control your weight, losing weight where appropriate and working to stay at a healthy weight.
• Don’t smoke or use tobacco and work to reduce exposure to second hand smoke.
• Use seat belts when riding in any vehicle.
• Consume a daily fiber intake of 20-25 grams.
• Consume 6-8 8 oz. glasses of water daily.

For additional information, please call the Hope Line at 1-866-910-HOPE (4673). Or visit www.StFrancisHospitals.org.