Take Care of Your Body
 Recent studies show 70-80% of all physician visits are stress related; 80% health problems are stress related; 100 million people "out" every day due to stress; and 40% employee turnover due to stress. Chronic stress depletes the body's resources and ability to adapt. Over a long period coping functions are compromised and illness results.
A comprehensive approach to maintaining good health includes increasing self-responsibility for wellness, healthy lifestyle choices, health-promoting diet and a positive mental attitude. The concept of "Don't Worry. Be Happy," is not new. By the end of the 1970's several studies had shown that negative emotions suppress immune function. Using positive emotional states (humor and laughter) with guided imagery and meditative states to enhance immune system function in the face of serious, life-threatening disease.
Tips for Good Physical Health
Get Plenty of Rest - Give yourself "permission" to go to bed. As hard as it may be to put away your "to do" list, make sleep a priority. You'll thank yourself in the morning.
Take Care of Yourself - Cut back on alcohol, caffeine and smoking, all of which can make it more difficult to operate at your best. Regular exercise can help relieve tension and stress.
Pace Yourself - Finish chores and run errands early in the evening so you can clear your mind and relax.
Exercise - Exercise, even after age 50, can add healthy and active years to one's life. Studies continue to show that it is never too late to start exercising and that even small improvements in physical fitness can significantly lower the risk of death.
Reduce Injury - Over-aggressive physical activity without warm-ups can actually bring on microtrauma, which is a tiny amount of tissue damage. Pushing yourself too hard or too fast can work against you in the long run.
Prevention - Prevention is easier than cure. And prevention can be as simple as common-sense preparation, listening to your body and seeing your health care professional.
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