The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.

Sharpen Your Pencil For The New Year

Dessa Rodeffer, Quill Publisher

30 December 2003

It always pays to be prepared, but most of us fall short when it comes to looking into the future.

Let's start 2004 by sharpening our pencils and making a list of things that will be sure to make us a lot happier when next year comes to an end.

I know, the first thing we usually think about is either our money, our diet, or our health.

#1. EAT HEALTHY & EXERCISE.

According to a report this month from the American Cancer Society, "Nutrition and exercise goes hand in hand," and we need to make healthy dietary choices while increasing our level of activity.

My doctor at Mayo Clinic said at least 15 minutes a day can make a big difference, but 30 minutes of non-stop activity would be even better." The trick is, to make a conscious decision each day, rather than a resolution once a year.

So, get out that new calendar you received and mark out your eating and work-out routine through the end of the year.

According to the report, "nearly one-third of the more than 500,000 annual U.S. cancer deaths are attributed to diet and physical activity habits."

The ACS Nutrition and Physical Activity Guidelines recommend eating a wide variety of healthy foods, five or more daily servings of fruits and vegetables, choosing whole grains rather than refined grains and sugars, limiting red meats high in fat and limiting the consumption of alcohol.

Physical activity can help maintain a healthy weight as well as many other ways. For example a patient with colon cancer will find that exercise accelerates the movement of food through the digestive system which reduces the time that the lining of the bowel is exposed to potentially cancer-causing substances," the ACS reports.

The article suggests eating from all food groups rather than restricting or eliminating food which could cause a possible deficiency in your diet.

#2. SAVE MONEY IN SMALL WAYS.

Unplug anything that is not needed in the house, alarms, digital clocks in guest rooms, chargers, calculators not in use. Wait to fill up your dishwasher before running it. Prop open door and let it air dry through part of it. Turn burners off before items are done if you have electric burners and the heated burner will finish cooking it. Get rid of old refrigerators and buy new. They can save as much as half the electricity as old models. Full refrigerators cool easier. Vacuum condenser coils yearly unless you have a no-clean model. Turn off lights not in use. Use fluorescent when can, install dimmer switches and three-way lamps. A few little tricks can save a bundle over time.

Plan some time to relax and have a Happy New Year!