Year after year, our bodies change - and consequently, the food we choose, how much we move and exercise our bodies, and the medical counsel we seek can all have a significant impact on these transitions. That's why it's so important to tune into your body, notice any shifts and consider what it requires during different stages of life. Here are some helpful ways to keep yourself happy and healthy no matter how many candles are on top of your birthday cake.

What you eat has a significant impact on how you feel and how your body refuels. The older you get, the more your food choices begin to stack up. Keep your heart and arteries healthy, help prevent high cholesterol and high blood pressure which can lead to cardiovascular disease, reduce pain, and fight diabetes and overall inflammation by eating a nutritious and balanced diet full of vegetables, fruits, protein and healthy fats.

Did you know dehydration can lead to memory issues and constipation? Dehydration can become more dangerous as we age. We may forget to drink enough water during the busy days. The recommended amount is eight to 12 glasses of water a day. Try setting aside a container like a travel water bottle or pitcher, with ounces measured on the outside, so you can keep track of how much water you drink each day.

As you age, your heart rate begins to slow down, and your joints may start to ache more. In order to keep your heart healthy and your bones strong, you want to incorporate physical activity that not only gets your heart rate up, but also helps improve strength and flexibility. This includes incorporating activities such as walking, swimming, gardening, stretching and weight-bearing exercises into your daily routine. Pick something you like or find an exercise partner to help motivate you to stick with it! If you can't commit to something every day, aim for three to five days a week and focus on increasing movement in your daily routine.

Annual checkups are a must during any stage of life. However, they prove especially helpful as we get older - theyre the primary way we can prevent health issues from sneaking up on us. Take the time to select a physician you trust and can form a partnership with. This will make your visits all-around more enjoyable and beneficial to your health. Once you complete a wellness visit, your physician will be able to determine how often you need to schedule appointments in the future. If all is well, they will often suggest an annual routine checkup or physical.

Interacting with others and cultivating relationships is a great way to boost your mood and your overall health. Consider volunteering with friends, joining a church or other spiritual place of worship, or finding others with similar hobbies.

Overall health doesn't have to be a chore. It's all about balance and setting manageable expectations for yourself. Start by breaking up health goals into the four categories above to help you prioritize where to begin. Implementing healthy habits today will help you feel great inside and out as you continue each year.

If you need a physician, Beebe is here for you. Whether you need a primary care physician or a specialist, to find all the physicians affiliated with Beebe, go to http://www.beebehealthcare.org/find-a-doc.

Rita Karapurkar Williams, MA, CHES, is a health coach at Beebe Healthcare working with both the Wellness program and Integrative Health. She has a master's degree in health education from Teachers College, Columbia University and is a Certified Health Education Specialist. She is currently in the process of becoming a certified Integrative Health Coach through the Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine. For more wellness tips and healthy recipes, and to create a profile on the Women's Health website, go to http://www.beebehealthcare.org/be-there.

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Whole body health for all ages - CapeGazette.com