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10 Tips for Better Health

1. Relax. High levels of psychological stress contribute to everything from heart disease to infertility. When we trigger the body's relaxation response (the opposite of the fight-or-flight response) with deep breathing, yoga, tai chi, exercise, relaxing music, massage or acupuncture, we minimize the harmful effects of stress.

2. Get Up and Get Moving. Most of us sit at our desks all day, then go home to sit at the dinner table or in front of the TV. We feel tired, but our bodies have hardly moved! There are so many well-known benefits to moving your body that it's really a no-brainer. Just do it!

3. Eat Whole Foods. Processed foods (almost anything that comes in a package) usually contain high levels of salt, sugar and fat. They contribute to obesity and disease, and they cheat your body out of real nutrition. Trade in processed food for whole foods (i.e. fruits, vegetables, whole grains, etc.).

4. Drink Water. Our bodies are about 80% water, which means we cannot do without it. The Mayo Clinic suggests that you drink about 8 cups of water per day, more if you exercise.

5. Get Regular Health Screenings. Many health problems, like heart disease, diabetes and cancer, start without noticeable symptoms. Regular screenings of blood cholesterol, blood pressure, blood sugar and some cancers are usually covered by health insurance and easily performed at your doctor's office.

6. Take a Vacation. New research shows that taking a vacation every year can significantly reduce your risk of heart disease. Americans work more hours per year than almost anyone else in the world and it may be bad for our health. Take a break and recharge your batteries!

7. Listen to Your Body. A nagging symptom or pain that won't go away is your body's way of telling you that something isn't right. Getting treatment for a small problem may prevent larger problems and help you to avoid the need for more invasive treatment in the future.

8. Laugh More. Research shows that laughing enhances immunity, increases blood oxygen levels and lowers blood pressure. Laughing also contributes to good mental health which in turn helps your body function better.

9. Get More Sleep. Sleeping is a natural rhythm that is crucial to good health. Almost 1/3 of Americans get less than 7 hours of sleep per night, making them more irritable, less productive and downright dangerous behind the wheel of a car.

10. Attain Balance. Chinese medicine offers a low-risk, high-reward way to attain harmonious balance for your body, mind and spirit. By seeking to discover and treat the root cause of pain and illness, Chinese medicine can reduce or resolve troubling symptoms and improve your overall health. Most of my patients not only tell me they are getting results for their main health problem, but also report lower pain levels, better sleep, improved digestion, more energy and a sense of well-being.