5 Ways to Stay Healthy

Obesity and "unhealthiness" are on the rise in North America, and more and more people are searching for ways to keep themselves and their families healthy. In a world of fast foods, junk foods and MSG, (not to mention all of the cravings brought on by TV commercials!) it is no wonder that our waistlines are expanding. There are a few ways to keep your body healthy however, so do not give up hope just yet.

1 -Drink Water: Everybody has heard all their lives that we should be drinking 8 to 10 glasses of water a day, and for the most part, people tend to ignore this, or at best only partially obey it. Do not under-estimate the health benefits of water If you drink enough of it every day, it will constantly flush toxins out of your body, and you will feel the difference! Speaking from personal experience, since I started drinking 3 litres (100 oz) a day, I no longer feel the need for caffeine, and I have energy that I never thought possible.

2 - Eat Your Greens: Yes, I know what many of you are thinking right now - Rabbit food is for rabbits! Lettuce, broccoli, carrots, celery and all the rest of the "greens and veggies" group have more health benefits for your body than can even be named here. Vegetables are full of much needed vitamins and minerals. They also fight heart disease, stroke and contain cancer fighting phytocemicals.

3 - Go for a Walk: Do not underestimate the power of walking. It is the simplest and easiest form of exercise, yet it can do a lot for your body. Walking helps heart health, reduces body fat, helps to get you in shape and it only takes 30 minutes a day.

4 - Relax: The stress of life can get to us sometimes, but we need to be careful not to let it get the better of us. Stress is not very healthy for anyone, and it can cause some serious problems, like anxiety and heart attacks. Take some time to spend by yourself and with your family members each day. Relaxing like this daily can ease the stress of the day and put things in perspective.

5 - Get some sleep: Not getting enough sleep at night can cause obesity, fatigue, anxiety, depression, and a whole lot of other things that are not pleasant! Adults need between 7 and 8 hours of sleep a night to function well throughout the day. Tip: Getting too much sleep a night (more than 8 hours) can also cause fatigue!

These 5 suggestions will help you live a happier, healthier life, but only if you follow them! If 5 things seem to hard to do all at once, try focusing on doing one each week. Soon, all 5 ways to stay healthy will develop into good habits, and will become a normal part of your life - your healthier life!

Happy Canada Day!

Yesterday was Canada Day, and we went to see the fireworks display at the Barrie lakefront. The fireworks were great, but a little too short as usual! I know they can't afford to spend too much money on them when there are more important things (like construction!) but I would like to spend a little longer on the beach watching the fireworks.

We noticed a new fad yesterday while at the beach. There were a lot of people wearing their Canada flags in their hair! I'm not sure when this started, but I guess people buy them and then realize that they don't have anywhere else to put them. It makes for an interesting, but patriotic look.

It's also interesting how many kids think Canada Day is supposed to be celebrated with marijuana. The smell of it was so strong in a few places, I could barely breathe!

I loved walking along the lakeshore and hearing little snippets of conversations as people flitted by me. " I had a boyfriend, and then I got rid of him!" Let's hope she means they broke up! ;) "It's only 9:54!" (the fireworks were supposed to start at 10pm, so I don't know what she thought she had time for with 6 minutes to go!)

All in all it was a great night - not too hot or cold, just perfect. Afterwards I stayed up until after 3am with friends, talking - not a smart move when you have to work the next day by the way!)

Happy birthday Canada!

Happy Canada Day!