12th Annual BLACK HEALTH & fitness Section - need for exercise and the proper diet - Brief Article

Ebony, July, 2001 by Rodney G. Hood

INTRODUCTION

SUMMER is a time of rebirth and renewal. Now is the time to renew your commitment to better health and take better care of your mind, body and spirit.

Physical exercise is an important way to lose weight, keep it off and have a healthy lifestyle. If you are overweight, the warmer weather may be an ideal time for you to shed unwanted pounds. There are many more alternatives for exercise outdoors and with others. A few things to try--walking and/or jogging 30 minutes a day, ride your bike, dance, sign up for an exercise class.

It is equally important to eat a healthy and balanced diet. Eating healthy foods reduces your chances of developing cancer, heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, stroke and obesity. Your diet should be low in fat, sugar, sweets and salt, and you should choose a diet high in fruits, vegetables and grains.

Finally, give up those habits that increase your chances of life-threatening illness. If you consume more than three alcoholic drinks a day, you increase your risk of liver disease and dependency on alcohol. Smoking not only increases your risk of cancer, but also increases your risk of stroke, lung and heart disease. There are many products available to help you quit smoking and your physician can also be of assistance.

Rodney G. Hood, M.D., President National Medical Association