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c h i k k a
b u z z
•
Walk 5,000 steps a day.
Strap on a pedometer, and start off by logging
on at least 5,000 steps a day and your heart
will be healthier, according to Katie Mitchell,
M.D., director of Exercise and Research at
Curves International. With a pedometer on,
you’ll be encouraged to find opportunities
to walk instead of drive or take a cab. Every
week, add an extra 500 steps per day, until
you reach the recommended 10,000 steps
a day.
•
Be a more positive person.
If you’re prone to negative thoughts, this can
do damage to your body too. Turn over a new
leaf and feed your mind more enlightened
messages. Read books that teach you how
to change your way of thinking, or listen to
motivational CDs that will give you a happier
perspective.
•
Try something different.
Scientific research has shown that by taking
on new challenges, you can help stimulate
the growth of new brain cells — and who
doesn’t want that? Some ideas: Visit a city
you’ve never been to and step out of your
comfort zone; tackle a sport or activity that
freaks you out, such as bungee jumping; or
sample dishes you’ve never tasted before.
This year,
I will…
Make no more excuses for caring for
yourself in 2013 with these resolutions
TEXT
MAYA O. CALICA
Green tea has been known to promote a whole slew of health
benefits: from weight management to controlling blood pressure
to longevity. But if you’re a true-blue coffee person, here’s a way
to develop your taste for tea. When in Japan, participate in a
chanoyu,
the age-old tradition of ceremoniously preparing green
tea that began in religious rituals in Buddhist monasteries. The
time that goes into making a cup may take forever compared
to merely ordering a latte at a café, but by drinking green tea
instead, you may live longer too.
TEA CHEERS!
When in Japan, drink to your health
with green tea
You snooze, you
lose... really!
Getting enough shut-eye can
prevent obesity
In their book
SuperFoods HealthStyle
,
authors
Steven Pratt and Kathy Matthews cited a
study conducted at Columbia University that
showed a clear connection between obesity
and sleep habits. After factors like depression,
physical activity, ethnicity, gender and age
were controlled, the study revealed that
the subjects aged between 32 and 59 who
snoozed four hours or less each night had 73%
more chance of being obese than those who
slept an average of seven to nine hours. The
authors also mentioned that, in other studies,
a reduced sleeping time had been linked to
diabetes and impaired neurological functioning
during their waking hours.
