14 THE FREE PRESS, March 28, 2013
Healthy
LIFESTYLE A basic rule: get moving! Put some physical exercise into your workday
H
uman bodies are can be encouraged to exercise by made to move. All placing a notice at the bottom of it takes is a few the stairs suggesting they walk minutes of physical activity up rather than using the elevator. every day to stay in shape We could also profit from and reduce the risk of ill- replacing the coffee break with a walking break and by contractness. At work, we can take ing abdominal and back muscles “stretching” breaks dur- when working at a computer. What’s more, ing meetnot ings or, if Getting to work on foot why make physicit’s appropriate, suggest or by bicycle is another al activity one a “walking” great way of staying in of the objectm e e t i n g shape while economizing ives of your to your on gas consumption and work team? Getting to work colleagues so giving a helping hand to work on foot the environment. or by bicycle you can get some fresh is another great way of air and exercise while discussing business. And staying in shape while econothere’s no need to wait until the mizing on gas consumption and elevator is out of order before giving a helping hand to the using the stairs. Other people environment. You have to take
the bus or the car because of the distance involved? You could always get off two stops before your destination or park the car a ten minute walk away from the office.
For other tips on how to get moving, you can visit the Web site of the Public Health Agency of Canada at www.phac-aspc.gc.ca.
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The BC Services Card. Your CareCard, and more.
Flabby muscles?
T
One card. Many services. The new BC Services Card is part of government’s plan to modernize BC’s health care system. It replaces your CareCard, can be combined with your driver’s licence, and also acts as your photo ID. It’s more convenient and more secure, with enhanced features to protect your personal information. And getting yours is easy. Starting February 15, 2013, and for the next five years, you can simply enrol when renewing your driver’s licence. And even if you don’t drive, you can enrol at the nearest location where driver’s licences are issued. To learn more visit: BCServicesCard.ca
here are certain times of the year which can be very difficult for our bodies. We feel soft and flabby, we lose all desire for physical activity and every movement seems an effort. Many of us feel like this but there are ways to help ourselves get back in shape. First of all, there’s diet to consider. Vitamins play a vital role and it’s very important to consume them on a regular basis, particularly vitamin B (grains, eggs, cheese, fish, liver). What’s more, some healthy eating habits are very simple to incorporate into daily life, such as drinking a big glass of fresh vegetable juice before every meal, adding sprouted grains to your daily diet and having fresh or dried fruits for breakfast. This last suggestion is a very important one as it is a great replacement for the coffee, bread, butter and honey which often constitute our first meal of the day. Secondly, it’s always wise to have as much fresh air as possible, to soak up some sunshine and to do some physical exercise. A brisk walk, some jogging or a hike are all great ways of combining these recommendations. And lastly, never underestimate the importance of a good night’s sleep. If you are in the habit of going to bed whenever you feel like it, make the effort of going to sleep at a regular time; you’ll feel much more rested. If you decide to follow all these suggestions, you’ll soon be as fit as you ever were and much happier for it!