While we all want to live healthier lives, the process by which we establish healthy habits can be challenging, even to the most disciplined.  Incorporating these life habits, from Stephanie L. Cudjoe, M.D., family medicine physician on the Baylor Plano medical staff, will help you find yourself healthier in mind, body and spirit.

• Brush up:  One out of 20 middle-aged adults is missing all of their teeth.  Poor oral health can lead to gum disease, tooth decay and heart disease.  Floss and brush your teeth and gums twice a day with fluoridated toothpaste, and drink plenty of fluoridated water to fight tooth decay.  Schedule your dental check up every six months for a cleaning or as recommended by your dentist.
• Get moving:  Benefits of moderate aerobic exercise can be seen at 150 minutes per week, or 30 minutes a day, five days a week.  You can break up your daily exercise into 10 minute increments and still reap weight loss, cardiovascular, and mind renewing benefits.  
• Get Stronger:  The benefits of muscle strengthening exercises can be gained with only two sessions a week.  These exercises can also strengthen your bones and improve coordination.  Muscle strengthening exercises involves more than simply lifting weights but also includes exercises using resistance bands or lifting your own body weight, like push ups and yoga.   
• Prioritize: What are your most important goals? Are all those hours at work as valuable as time spent around the dinner table?  Taking care of what’s really important in life will help bring fulfillment and accomplishment to your life and provide a long lasting legacy to those around you.
• Cut the Fat:  Eating a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol contributes to weight loss and lowers the risk of heart disease and stroke.  Choose grilled and baked foods instead of fried or processed foods to make a big difference on the scale.