University of Illinois Extension FCS Professionals Help Area Residents to “Live Well”
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Health is a lot more than how one looks and feels. Conversations about health should include all eight dimensions of wellness areas— mental, social, emotional, spiritual, financial, occupational, environmental, and intellectual. That’s the focus of Living Well Month, a national event in March promoting overall wellness and the education provided by Family and Consumer Sciences professionals to improve the lives of people, families, and communities.
“University of Illinois Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences works through the University of Illinois Extension to offer information that will help families achieve a positive, healthy lifestyle,” says Lisa Peterson, University of Illinois Extension Nutrition and Wellness Educator. “Whether you are trying to manage your diabetes or heart health through meal planning and exercise, trying canning for the first time, or not sure if that turkey in your refrigerator is safe to eat, Extension FCS has a research-based answer”
To make every month a “Living Well Month,” consider these tips:
Engage children in at least 60 minutes of physical activity on most days of the week. Adults need at least 30 minutes of physical activity. Play sports or recreational games, turn on some music and dance, hula hoop, or make an obstacle course. Take a walk or a bike ride in your neighborhood. All movement counts.
Start planning a garden now to work in the spring and summer. Gardening is great physical activity. This activity could also nurture your mental and environmental wellness.
Rethink your drink. The average adult human body is approximately 60 percent water. Water regulates every living cell’s process and chemical reactions. It transports nutrients and oxygen. Water also helps to maintain normal bowel habits and prevent constipation. Reduce the amount of soda and fruit drinks consumed daily.
Eat a variety of healthful foods. Eat colorful fruits and vegetables every day. Most people need to increase their fruit and vegetable intake. Have a sliced banana on cereal for breakfast. Enjoy a sandwich loaded with vegetables at lunch. At dinner, steam some vegetables and prepare a fruit parfait with yogurt for dessert. Try new fruits and vegetables. If there’s a kind you don’t like, try preparing it in a different way. See www.choosemyplate.gov for more information about nutrition for yourself and members of your family.
Read, read, read. Go to the library and check out books. Keep the mental stimulation flowing throughout the year regardless of your age. This will stimulate your intellectual health.
Talk to a friend or start a journal to get your thoughts and feelings off your chest. Staying in check with emotional health can be tough, but it’s important.
Check out parenting, mindfulness, finance, nutrition, food safety, and food preparation classes offered by your Extension office. Visit extension.illinois.edu for more information about upcoming offerings.
Maintain a healthy home. Check that your smoke detector is working correctly and test for the presence of Radon. Help manage allergies and/or asthma by cleaning and vacuuming regularly to reduce allergy triggers in the home. Avoid accidental poisonings by keeping medications locked up, and cleaning agents and other poisons out of reach of children.
Keep your family finances in check. Track your expenses and update your budget regularly. Eat at home often because meals outside of home usually cost more. Plan your menus and use coupons as a planning tool. Creating and sticking to a budget, along with paying off debt, are great first steps to financial wellness.
All eight dimensions of wellness areas are connected and support each other. Evaluate your overall wellness and take small steps to improve your health during Living Well Month and all year long. Follow University of Illinois Extension Family and Consumer Sciences Living Well tips throughout March on their Facebook page, University of Illinois Extension: Around the Table.
University of Illinois Extension provides equal opportunities in programs and employment. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate, please contact 217-287-7246. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time for meeting your access needs.
ABOUT EXTENSION: Illinois Extension leads public outreach for University of Illinois by translating research into action plans that allow Illinois families, businesses, and community leaders to solve problems, make informed decisions, and adapt to changes and opportunities.
