·         Serve meals that are low in fat and high in fiber. Forget fat-laden fast food. Low-fat, high-fiber diets reduce the risk of cancer and heart disease.

·         Turn off the television and go for a family walk or swim at the YMCA. Thirty minutes of activity a day—even done ten minutes at a time—will help assure healthy hearts and a feeling of well-being.

·         Buckle up in motor vehicles and make sure everyone else does too. Buckling up significantly reduces your chances of being seriously injured or killed in a crash.

·         Keep your children’s immunizations up to date. If you are an adult at risk, get flu and pneumonia vaccinations.

·         If you smoke, quit—for your health and that of your family. Smoking can cause cancer and lung disease. Second-hand smoke exposes those around you to the same risk.

·         If you or your children bike, skate or ride skateboards, wear helmets. Helmets can prevent serious, life-threatening head injuries.

·         If you are an adult, get an annual physical that includes cancer screening and a check of your blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Early detection and treatment of high blood pressure and cholesterol will reduce your risk of heart disease. Screening for cancer can detect the disease while it is still curable.

·         Brush and floss your teeth after every meal. Your oral health is a significant factor in your overall well-being.

·         Get a good night’s sleep. Fatigue is a factor in motor vehicle crashes and other preventable accidents.

·         Relax! Stress isn’t good for you and it interferes with your ability to enjoy yourself and your family.

 

These gifts will keep giving all year long. Setting a good example is probably the best gift a parent can give a child. Happy upcoming holidays!