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Get Fit Stratford!

Diet and Exercise for Everyday Life

 

Physical Activity

Getting regular physical activity can improve your health and well being, as well as make you feel good mentally and physically! It can also reduce your risk for heart disease, stroke, certain cancers, diabetes, and high blood pressure and help control weight.

Unfortunately, the majority of Americans do not get enough physical activity to provide health benefits.In fact, in a 2006 survey conducted with Stratford Residents almost 50% of adults indicated that they do not exercise on a regular basis. 

Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention web site below to learn about current physical activity recommendations for children, adults, and older adults!

http://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/

 

 

It's never too late to begin choosing an active lifestyle! Whether your young or old, overweight or underweight, you can begin making choices that will dramatically improve your health and quality of life.

Exercise does not need to be strenuous or boring to have a positive impact on your health. The key is to find something that you enjoy and schedule a time to be physically active each day. Here are a few tips to help you on your journey...

1. Include activities that you enjoy and that can easily fit into your daily routine—such as walking your dog, working in your garden, or riding your bike.

2. Start slowly and set realistic goals. Remember not to take an "all or nothing" attitude and consult with your doctor before starting an exercise regimen.

3. Identify your barriers to physical activity, such as lack of time, too tired, fear of embarrassment, etc., and talk with a professional about solutions. 

Visit the following web sites for more ideas on physical activity:

www.fitness.gov

http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=2155

www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpa/physical/recommendations/adults.htm 

http:www.cdc.gov/HealthyYouth/PhysicalActivity

 

Healthy Eating

  

Eating healthy is just as important as being physically active when it comes to protecting your health.

A healthy diet can help you avoid a number of diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease, and some cancers. It can also help you control and lose weight and supply you with the necessary energy to make it through the day.    

To avoid health problems you should eat a variety of foods, with plenty of vegetables, fruits, and whole grain products.  Include low-fat dairy products, lean meats, poultry, fish and legumes and drink lots of water and go easy on the salt, sugar, alcohol and saturated fats.

Tips to Eating Healthier

  • Cut down on portion sizes.  Most Americans are getting way too many calories per day.  Start by using a smaller plate at meal time. 
  • Drink more water and milk and less high calorie drinks.
  • Try eating salad and appetizer rather than a full entree at restaurants.
  • "Beyond Fish Sticks and Juice Packs" is a twenty-three page guidebook filled with tips and tools to encourage healthy eating among your children.  The book was published by the Stratford Health Department.  To download a free copy*, click below or call 385-4090 for a copy to be mailed to you.

    This publication was edited in September 2005 to include new Food Pyramid Guidelines.
    Beyond Fish Sticks and Juice Packs:  A family guide to healthy eating

    Visit the following web site for more information about diet and nutrition:

    http://www.nutrition.gov/

    www.eatright.org

    www.americanheart.org 


    Community Resources

    Stratford Recreation Department

    Sterling House Community Center at www.sterlinghousecc.org

     

    Return to Community Health Home page

    Return to Stratford Health Dept Home page