TIME Magazine's Top 5 For Health in 2011

Time Magazine Online recently released a guide for the top five new rules for good health.What's interesting is that not all of them are exactly what one would expect to hear! Let's take a look shall we?

#1 Learn hands on CPR

This one is a bit of a surprise! TIME suggests that instead of learning CPR in the traditional way in which mots of us were once taught, that people focus instead on the hands-on aspect only for chest compressions. A recent study discovered that the right method of chest compressions, for a non-drowning victim, is equally as effective alone as combining it with mouth-to-mouth. With this in mind, it's far simpler and less intimidating to take hands-on only courses. As well, bystanders that only know the hands-on technique might be more likely to jump to the rescue before a full on CPR specialist would because they feel less inhibited by the fear of creating an awkward social moment.


#2Take Less Vitamin Supplements

 

This one is a bit less of a shock, as we should all know by now, taking too many vitamin supplements can lead to more harm than good towards our bodies. It is even possible to suffer unpleasant overdoses from some Vitamins such as E. The no-brainer solution to this is, of course, to try to get your vitamins from natural sources, such as fruits, vegetables and salad greens which are all LOADED with nutrients. And they don't taste half bad either if you happen to look up a few quick and easy recipes online.

#3 Food Allergy Diagnosis Improvements

 More and more people are being diagnosed with food allergies these days. However, what we are coming to realize is that there is a noticeable difference between a full on food allergy and a food sensitivity, notably with the cases of children. A food sensitivity can be as mild a general dislike, either through or psychological, or more serious with symptoms, such as lactose-intolerance. The thing to keep in mind is that, while both can show symptoms and discomfort, they are not the same and neither can they be treated the same. While allergies can be much more severe, some can be treated with the proper medication whereas for food intolerance it is much rarer for their to be a medical treatment.

#4 Exercise often and continue over time

You've probably heard me say this enough times by now, but it's true: exercise is important. It's recommended that we aim for 150 minutes a week. Now I know some of you are groaning at trying to fit two and a half hours of exercise in (I know I do, life is busy!) but when you stop and think about it, it's not so bad. That's about as long as an epic movie, or a few episodes on television. In fact, how bout the next time you think about sitting down and watching an episode of your favourite show, you head out for a walk, and when you come get back home you can have a well deserved reward.

The second part of this point is to not give up after a week or two. Keep at it. Not everyone can get in shape in 14 days, sometimes it takes longer. So long as you are dedicated and committed, you can count on those long term health benefits.

#5 Early blood tests for disease prevention

 Full body checkups used to be the norm, but thanks to tons of improvements in the field of medical science, doctors are now able to learn a lot more from a simple blood test than they used to. Early warning signs of diabetes and even Alzheimer's can be found in a blood test. As well, blood tests are also sure fire ways to get some clues about your overall health and nutrition levels.
They are also quick, and relatively painless (unless you're one of those people who can't handle needles... eek!). You won't have to take the whole morning off from work for an appointment. It's in, out and then the results are sent to you.

So there you have it, TIME's top 5 health tips for the coming year!