GET SMART ABOUT YOUR HEALTH

by Paul Dilks
It's a smart move to have health insurance. But looking after your health is not just about paying your premiums - it's about giving yourself the best possible chance for a long and healthy life. No-one is guaranteed a clean bill of health, but there's good deal you can do to avoid getting sick. Whether you have an unhealthy lifestyle or only need to make some simple changes to improve your health, there's no better time to start than now. Here are some common sense ideas from the National Heart Foundation of New Zealand' to help you get on the road to good health.
1. Eat a variety of foods from the four major food groups every day: - Vegetables and fruits - Bread and cereal foods - Milk and milk products, especially the low-fat varieties - Lean meat, poultry, fish, eggs, nuts or pulses
2. Prepare meals with minimal added fat (especially saturated fat) and salt.
3. Choose pre-prepared foods, drinks and snacks that are low in fat (especially saturated fat), salt and sugar.
4. Maintain a healthy body weight by regular physical activity and by healthy eating.
5. Drink plenty of liquids each day.
6. If drinking alcohol, do so in moderation.
Don't wait until you get sick to fight off the effects of poor health - make some lifestyle changes now to prevent illness. And remember too, poor health can often cost you more in life insurance premiums.
In the meantime, make sure you have appropriate health cover to give you financial peace of mind should the unforeseen happen. Talk to your financial adviser about the different type of policies that are available.
Visit the Heart Foundation's website at www.nhf.org.nz for more information on how to kick-start your healthy lifestyle.
www.ezylife.co.nz