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Five Tips for Healthy Living

Take a few minutes each day to stop and reflect on your life. You can spend some time practicing gratitude. This helps give you some perspective and improves your ability to handle life's challenges. Remember that you have the power to control your thoughts.

Researchers studying weight loss have found that most people will state that they need to lose 50 or more pounds to be "successful" at losing weight. This often sets them up for failure by making this goal seem out of reach. A better strategy is to set a reasonable goal, such as losing 10 pounds. Studies have shown that even a 10 pound weight loss has measurable effect on your blood sugar level and overall well-being. Once you've hit that first goal, simply set another until you've gotten as healthy as you can.

To get the best protection from sunscreen, you don't have to buy the highest SPF you can find. Unless you have a skin condition, have had skin cancer, or are very fair, you can use a product with an SPF of 30. If you do burn easily or you need extra protection, sunscreens with ratings up to 50 SPF are good. But remember that you will usually pay more for a higher SPF, so buy only what you need.

What is the best sunscreen? Well, it turns out it is simply the one you will use. Lotions, sprays, and sticks are all equally effective, so buy what your family prefers. Dermatologists suggest getting one product for the whole family, so that you don't need to carry around multiple bottles.

If you are trying to lose weight, a great strategy is to practice portion control. This can be easier said than done, but there are some simple things to try to make it easier. Consider switching to a smaller plate. Reducing your plate size from 12 inches to 10 inches will reduce your calorie consumption by about 20 percent. You can use the same strategy with bowls and utensils. Eating ice cream out of a large bowl with a big spoon will get you more calories than switching to a small bowl and a smaller spoon.

Many studies have shown that genetics do not play a primary role in your long-term health. In fact, your inherited genes only contribute to about one-third of the picture. More important are diet, physical activity level, and your personal habits, such as drug or tobacco use and alcohol consumption. Thus, most of your well-being is up to you.

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