Its spring and exercise buffs are running through Central Park, hiking its trails and cycling its edges. Even though you didn’t see as many of them during the winter, rest assured they were there. Healthy people don’t take time off. They practice good health every day. It’s a part of their routine. Their habits help them feel good and live fully. Even people with health issues that warrant a New York City gastroenterologist visit practice these healthy habits. You can too.

1. They Exercise

Healthy people are physically active. Movement is good for the body, mind, and soul. Regular exercise keeps your heart healthy and helps you maintain an appropriate weight. Activity is essential for the human body. Movement — bicycle riding, dancing, golfing, or working out — will prevent digestive disorders by keeping you regular and ward off the blues by increasing serotonin levels in your brain.

2. They Get Enough Sleep

People who sleep soundly between six and eight hours a night develop a stronger immune system. They can fight off infections and maintain sufficient energy to tackle the day ahead. Getting enough sleep reduces the risk of obesity and heart disease. Adequate sleep also supports a healthy sugar metabolism to prevent diabetes. Those who sleep well even perform better at work and school.

3. They Get Regular Check-ups

Healthy people aren’t afraid of negative test results. They want to nip problems in the bud so they can take measures to ensure their continued health. Preventive tests for colon cancer, blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes allow your digestive doctor to catch problems early and recommend treatment before the issues escalate.

4. They Practice Moderation

While it might be better never to drink alcohol or eat sweet snacks, it’s often unrealistic to expect everyone never to indulge. Healthy people live by a rule. However, moderation governs it. They have maybe one drink a day, eat red meat no more than three times a week, and indulge their sweet tooth just once a week. It’s the key to moderation.

5. They Avoid Harmful Activities

Healthy people don’t smoke cigarettes because they understand the dangers. Inhaling carcinogens can lead to a host of health issues ranging from respiratory problems to colon cancer. When outdoors, healthy people apply sunscreen to block out the dangerous ultraviolet rays of the sun. They realize that living is too valuable to take unnecessary risks with their lives or the lives of people they love.

6. They Eat Well

Healthy people do not believe in deprivation, but they do not overindulge. They consume fresh fruits and vegetables every day to get their vitamins and minerals naturally. They limit the amount of sugar and fat they ingest, preferring to get their energy from lean protein like chicken, fish, and beans. To maintain a healthy digestive system, they choose rich whole-grain bread and carbs.

7. They Remain Positive

Because they’ve developed life-affirming physical habits, healthy people don’t sweat the small stuff. They laugh at themselves because they realize they are human and don’t ascribe to unrealistic expectations of perfection. They maintain a positive attitude and prefer to remain optimistic. Positive, healthy people volunteer and share their gifts with others.

For more information about how you can moderate your habits and get healthy, contact NYC Gastroenterologist.

Updated on Aug 27, 2022 by Dr. Shawn Khodadadian (Gastroenterologist) of Manhattan Gastroenterology