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OCHD REMINDS RESIDENTS TO GET ACTIVE, STAY HEALTHY AND HELP FIGHT COVID IN 2022

Published: January 21, 2022 | OCHD
OCHD REMINDS RESIDENTS TO GET ACTIVE, STAY HEALTHY AND HELP FIGHT COVID IN 2022

(Toms River -) This year the Ocean County Health Department (OCHD) is encouraging residents to GET ACTIVE, STAY HEALTHY AND HELP FIGHT COVID IN 2022. This new public health campaign is to provide important information, health education and to spread awareness about the benefits of living a healthy lifestyle.

“With so much talk about the pandemic the past two years, we thought it was a good time to  remind individuals regarding the important health activities and choices they can make to start the new year right,” said Daniel Regenye, OCHD Public Health Coordinator/Health Officer. “The theme speaks for itself; our goal is to encourage people to get active by getting plenty of exercise, stay healthy by eating right and getting regular check up’s and so on. And, of course, continue to get vaccinated and stay safe by wearing a mask in recommended areas and when you’re around unvaccinated or high risk individuals.”

“It’s never too late to start living a healthy lifestyle,” added, Gary Quinn, Ocean County Commissioner and Liaison to the Ocean County Board of Health. “Get off to a positive start in 2022 by committing to living a healthier lifestyle for yourself and your family as well.”

Start 2022 off on the right foot by trying some or all of these ideas!

  1. Drink more water. Water is a healthy, calorie-free and sugar-free beverage option.
  2. Add 10 minutes of exercise to your day. If you don’t already exercise, aim to do 10 minutes each day. If you do currently exercise, add 10 extra minutes to your routine after consultation with your physician.
  3. Get moving at work. Aim to stand up more often, or take a quick walk or stretch break.
  4. Go to bed 10 minutes earlier. By the end of the week, you’ll get an extra 70 minutes of sleep. Keep it up all year, and you’ll have slept 60 hours more.
  5. Commit to one healthy stress-relieving activity per day.
  6. Each day, find a way to eat an extra serving of fruit or vegetables. You may have more opportunities than you realize!
  7. Dedicate at least 5 minutes of your lunch break to walking. Not only will it help you be more active, but it can also help you relieve stress.
  8. Spend more time with family and friends to relieve stress, laugh more and relax—all of which can help you increase your well-being.
  9. Make it a habit to appreciate all you have and the important people in your life.
  10. Work on your posture by keeping your head up, as if you were balancing a book on your head. Avoid slouching!
  11. Skip the salty snacks or sweet treats and go for fruit to round out packed lunches.
  12. Brush and floss your teeth. Get in the habit of brushing twice and flossing once per day.
  13. Control your portions. Limiting your portions is necessary for healthy eating and weight management.
  14. Reorganize your kitchen. Throw out or donate foods that are too tempting. Place healthy foods at eye level and in front of unhealthier foods. Clear your counter of treats and junk food and replace them with a bowl of fresh fruits and vegetables.
  15. Always keep moving. Even if you’re already exercising, if you spend long periods of time being inactive, it can be bad for your health.
  16. Take time away from your screens (cell phone, computer, TV, tablet, etc.).
  17. Visit your doctor for an age-appropriate preventive exam such as a physical, blood pressure check, and more.
  18. Mind your manners. “Please” and “thank you” can go a long way when interacting with others. It demonstrates respect and appreciation.
  19. Balance work and home life. Leave work at work and home at home and make the most of your time in both places!
  20. Trade your dessert for an after-dinner stroll.
  21. Avoid work burnout. Take your designated breaks as often as you are able. Limit the number of days you go in early or stay late. Plan to take time off for personal days and vacations. When you’re away from work, avoid checking emails and voicemails, if possible.
  22. Get vaccinated. Get fully vaccinated for COVID-19 and annual influenza.

 

Regenye added, “Let’s make the new year a healthy and happy one by living a healthy lifestyle. If you’ve been waiting to start a new healthy regimen now’s the perfect time to follow some of these tips and improve your health. Just a few short weeks down the road you’ll be happy you did.”

Visit the Ocean County Health Department website at www.ochd.org follow us on our Facebook page – https://www.facebook.com/OCHD.org – OR NOW YOU CAN DOWNLOAD THE NEW FREE MOBILE PHONE APP by downloading it from the Google Play/Android & Apple APP store: https://apps.myocv.com/share/a50608754

*Tips provided by Health Advocate