This Weeks Healthy SC Challenge Tips

Columbia, SC – September 14, 2007 – The Healthy SC Challenge is the Sanford family’s effort to get all South Carolinians to do just a little more to live a healthier lifestyle. The tips are designed to encourage individuals and communities to live healthier lifestyles in three categories – nutrition, exercise and help to quit smoking. The tips can also be found on the challenges website, www.healthysc.gov .

Nutrition
As part of a nutritious, seasonal dinner, try cutting up and grilling fresh peppers, sweet onions, zucchini, yellow squash, eggplant, and more. For dessert, follow up with a fresh fruit salad of melon, strawberries, grapes, blueberries, cherries, and other fruits. The vibrant colors will liven up your meal, and the appealing flavors and aromas will tantalize your taste buds! Healthy diets rich in fruits and vegetables may also help to reduce the risk of cancer and other chronic diseases.
 -The Center for Disease Control and Prevention, www.CDC.gov

Physical Activity
Find a convenient time and place to do activities.  Try to make it a habit, but be flexible. If you miss an exercise opportunity, try to work activity into your day another way. Don’t overdo it.  Do low- to moderate-level activities, especially at first.  You can slowly increase the duration and intensity of your activities as you become more fit.  Over time, you will eventually be able to work up to exercising on most days of the week for 30-60 minutes.
-The American Heart Association

Tobacco
Certain things trigger, or turn on, your need for a cigarette. They can be moods, feelings, places, or things you do. Knowing your triggers is very important. It can help you stay away from things that tempt you to smoke. It can prepare you to fight the urge when you are tempted. Remember: The urge to smoke will come and go. Cravings usually last only for a very brief period of time. Try to wait it out.
-www.smokefree.gov