A new year is upon us and Cobb & Douglas Public Health (CDPH) would like to see residents focus on living safer and healthier lives.  According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the following tips can help make safe and healthy living much easier.

Eat Healthy.

  • Eat a variety of fruits, vegetables and whole grains daily.
  • Limit foods and drinks that are high in calories, sugar, salt and fat.
  • Eat a balanced diet to help keep a healthy weight.

Be Active.

  • Be active for at least 2½ hours a week.
  • Include activities that raises your heart rate and that strengthens your muscles.

Physical activity helps to:

  • Maintain weight.
  • Reduce high blood pressure.
  • Reduce risk for type 2 diabetes, heart attack, stroke, and several forms of cancer
  • Reduce arthritis pain and associated disability.
  • Reduce risk for osteoporosis and falls.
  • Reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Protect Yourself and Your Family.

  • Wear helmets, seat belts, sunscreen, and insect repellent.
  • Wash hands to stop the spread of germs.
  • Avoid smoking and breathing other people’s (second hand) smoke.
  • Build safe and healthy relationships with family and friends.
  • Be ready for emergencies.

Manage Stress.

  • Balance work, home, and play.
  • Get support from family and friends.
  • Stay positive.
  • Take time to relax.
  • Get 7-9 hours of sleep each night (make sure kids get more, based on their age).
  • Get help or counseling if needed.

Get Check-ups.

  • Ask your doctor or nurse how you can lower your risk for health problems.
  • Find out what exams, tests, and shots you need and when to get them.
  • See your doctor or nurse for regular check-ups and as often as directed.
  • Get seen if you feel sick, have pain, notice changes, or have problems with medicine.

Additional information regarding health and safety tips can be found at www.cdc.gov.

About Cobb & Douglas Public Health
Cobb & Douglas Public Health, along with the Georgia Department of Public Health, has been committed to the mission of “Healthier Lives. Healthier Community.” since 1920. We are dedicated to improving our residents’ quality of life by tracking and preventing the spread of disease, promoting health and safety, providing exceptional medical services, and ensuring that our community is prepared for public health emergencies. For more information, visit www.cobbanddouglaspublichealth.org.