N E W S

Vol 15, No. 1      LINCARE is a National Supplier of Home
Winter '03          Oxygen and Respiratory Therapy Services

Top 10 List of Healthy New Year's Resolutions

1. Get a handle on your health in the New Year. Make a resolution to schedule a check-up, tests, and vaccines in 2003.
2. Choose snacks that help you eat well. Got the blahs from too many rich holiday snacks and treats? Healthy snacking can stave off hunger during the day and help you from overeating at meals.
3. Create a list of "must have" foods. Are the cupboards bare? Keep your pantry stocked with healthy foods in 2003.
4. Find out what foods prevent disease. Choose to eat more healthy foods in 2003. Record your health eating goals to stay on target.
5. Resolve to manage stress and keep your cool in the New Year. List the top 5 things that cause you stress. There should be some stressors on your list that you can change. Choose one or two things on this list to work on in 2003.
6. Take time out for yourself everyday. Relax for 15 minutes or more a day throughout the New Year. The restorative power of time alone can improve creativity, clarify your thoughts, and enhance understanding of your relationships.
7. Make time to get fit. Just 30 minutes of physical activity on most days can boost your health. It's easier than ever.
8. Become more physically active. Find out what activities are right for you. Design a program geared to your personal goals and activity level.
9. Renew your commitment to fitness. You're physically active but slipping a little lately. Recommit to fitness in the New Year without getting burned out or losing interest.
10. Up your physical activity. Already physically active and want to do more in 2003? Resolve to up your physical activity ante.

QUITTING isn't easy But help is available

CALL
The American Lung Association The American Cancer Society

OR
Ask your Doctor what resources are available in your community ­ Most hospitals have smoking cessation programs.

ASK
Ask your family to help

PURSED LIP BREATHING

Pursed-lip breathing can not only help you relax, but it also helps you get more oxygen into your lungs and prevents shortness of breath.

Practice this breathing technique until it works well for you.

1. Relax your neck and shoulder muscles. Inhale slowly through your nose for two counts.

2. Pucker your lips as if you are whistling. Exhale slowly and gently through your lips for 4 or more counts.

**Always exhale for longer than you inhale, allowing your lungs to empty more effectively.

The goal of LINCARE News is to share timely information with clients of LINCARE. The contents are selected to provide guidelines for approaching the resolution of problems, but are not intended to provide medical advice for individual problems. The latter should be obtained from your physician.

~ Kendra Pope, Editor

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