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Learn To Live, an Anne Arundel County Department of Health program, focuses on healthy living by offering FREE information on health-related topics and services. For more information, call the Learn To Live Line at 410-222-7979 or see Learn To Live information on Healthy Eating, Physical Activity for Adults and Children, Tobacco Cessation, Sun Safety, and Raising Healthy Kids.
The Power To Change Your Lifestyle Is In Your Hands
The leading causes of death in Anne Arundel County are cancer, heart disease and stroke. The good news is that there are ways to reduce your risk for these and other chronic diseases. Making these changes can also help you feel better as your body becomes healthier and stronger. Here are five ways that we can help you adopt a healthier lifestyle:
- Eat a healthy diet including foods low in fat and high in fiber. Fruits and vegetables contain lots of vitamins and minerals and are low in fat. Reduce your intake of fat by eating lean meat, fish, skinless poultry and low-fat dairy products. Avoid fast food and junk food, which are high in fat and calories. Eat more high-fiber foods, such as whole grain breads and cereals, broccoli, carrots and bananas. For more nutrition facts and more than 675 healthy recipes, click here.
- Get regular physical activity. Adults need at least 30 minutes a day and children need 60 minutes. The best way to become more active is to make small changes each day until they become habits. Make it fun. Turn off the TV and go outside. Play catch with your kids or go for a walk with a friend. If you don't have a block of 30 minutes, try being active for 15 minutes twice a day. Click here for more information on physical activity programs.
- If you smoke, quit! It's never too late. Tobacco use is the single most preventable cause of death in the United States. Plus, the smoke from cigarettes is harmful to others, especially unborn babies, infants and children. Talk to your children about the dangers of tobacco use. Click here for more information.
- Protect yourself from the sun. Try to stay out of the sun when its rays are strongest - from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wear sunscreen that has a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 15 or more, even during the winter. Cover up with clothing, hats and sunglasses. Protect your children and teach them sun safety at an early age. For more information on sun safety, click here.
- Ask your doctor about health screenings that are good for you. You should discuss any questions or concerns you have about breast, cervical, colorectal, prostate or skin cancer at your next appointment. Don't put it off - call today.
The Anne Arundel County Department of Health Cancer Screening Services program offers FREE colorectal, breast and cervical cancer screenings to eligible County residents based on age, insurance and income. Click here to learn about the screenings and immunizations that are right for you or call the Learn To Live Line at 410-222-7979 for more information.
Additional healthy living resources:
Updated: 1.12.12
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