Feel Better, Live Better

by: Italie LaRue

With so much emphasis on maintaining our health, it can be a little stressful and overwhelming. Sometimes we need a little break from it all. The following are my favorite quotes about health and maintaining said health.

"Health is not valued till sickness comes." -Thomas Fuller

"Our greatest happiness does not depend on the condition of life in which chance has placed us, but is always the result of a good conscience, good health, occupation and freedom in all just pursuits." -Thomas Jefferson

"The greatest wealth is health." - Virgil

"Life expectancy would grow by leaps and bounds if green vegetables smelled as good as bacon." - Doug Larson

"In order to change we must be sick and tired of being sick and tired." - Anonymous

"The...patient should be made to understand that he or she must take charge of his own life. Don't take your body to the doctor as if he were a repair shop." - Quentin Regestein

"A good laugh and a long sleep are the best cures in the doctor's book." - Irish proverb

"When it comes to eating right and exercising, there is no "I'll start tomorrow. Tomorrow is disease." - V.L. Allineare

"Health is a state of complete harmony of the body, mind and spirit. When one is free from physical disabilities and mental distractions, the gates of the soul open." - B.K.S. Lyengar

"Health is the greatest gift, contentment the greatest wealth, faithfulness the best relationship." - Buddha

"In health there is freedom. Health is the first of all liberties." - Henri Frederic Amiel

Great health is usually one of those things that we take advantage of until we don't have it anymore. And once we don't have it anymore, it can be difficult to get it back. But if you have lost it, it isn't impossible to be healthy once again. Here are some great ways to maintain and improve your health:

• Get Plenty of Sleep: For me, this is one of the hardest things for me to do. As much as we want to sleep and get plenty of it, the harder it is to actually get. I have the personal problem of staying up increasingly later each night, even though I am dreadfully tired. Getting the right amount of sleep helps your body and mind de-stress and rejuvenate--two things incredibly important to your overall well-being.
• Drink Enough Water: I know that we hear this advice over and over again, but it is important. Not only does drinking enough water help your body function properly by release and cleansing toxins, but it helps your skin too. It also will give you energy to help you throughout the day and your fitness regime.
  
• Stretch Each Day: Whether you prefer to stretch at the beginning or the end of the day--or before and after a workout, keep it up. It is a great way to improve circulation and flexibility. Stretching also releases tension and helps you relax. And we could all use a little relaxation, right?
• Take Vitamins: It is incredibly hard to get all the nutrients we need each day. Our lives are so busy, that we would essentially have to quite our jobs and work full-time in preparing the right amount and the right kinds of food all day so we can hit every section of that pyramid. So, in lieu of that, take vitamins. Code Nutrition specializes in customized vitamins based on your actual DNA. This will ensure that you get the exact nutrients that you need.

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