TIPS FOR BETTER LIVING
Snack smart. Not all
snacks—and snack habits—
are created equal. Choose
foods that are high in
nutritional value (think
fruits, veggies, and nuts)
and avoid eating straight
from the package which
can result in overeating.
Plan ahead. Keep healthy
snacks with you so that
whenever you’re out for an
extended period of time,
you have healthy eating
options. Nuts and dried
fruit travel well.
SLEEP
Make sleep a priority. Over
time, sleep deprivation can
lead to health problems
including, obesity, diabetes,
and cardiovascular disease.
To function at your best,
get seven to nine hours
per night.
(Left to right) Dr. Graham Moore, Chair, Department of Surgery; Dr. Meghan Gunn, SVMC Internal Medicine;
Dr. James Poole, Medical Director, Centers for Living and Rehabilitation, Medical Affairs, and Hospitalist Program;
Dr. Suk Namkoong, SVMC Orthopedics; Nurse Practitioner Erica Gallen, SVMC ExpressCare; Dr. Trevor Neal, SVMC
Emergency Medicine; and Physician Assistant Karena Webber, SVMC ExpressCare
Establish a sleep routine.
Healthy sleep habits can
help you maximize the
benefit of sleep.
Establish a consistent
sleep/wake schedule.
Avoid caffeine late in the
day. Limit your exposure to
light before bed. Sleep in a
cool, dark room. Limit your
computer and phone time
three hours before bedtime.
Go to sleep when tired.
Struggling to sleep when
you’re not truly tired
can be frustrating and
counterproductive. If you
don’t fall asleep within 20
minutes of going to bed, go
to another room and read
or listen to music until tired.
Dr. Michael Algus, SVMC Pulmonary Medicine
76
svhealthcare.org
PLAY
Find what fits. When
starting an exercise
program, make sure it’s
something you enjoy so
that you actually stick with
it. If it’s not running, try
swimming. Or dancing. Or
walking. Or hiking…keep
trying until you find
what fits.
Set realistic goals. If you’re
new to a form of exercise,
start with small achievable
goals (e.g., a daily
15-minute walk vs. a 5K
race). As you gain strength
and stamina, adjust your
goals to challenge yourself.