New Year’s Resolutions
The beginning of the New Year inclines us to make positive changes in our lives.Hot Springs, Ark. – The beginning of the New Year inclines us to make positive changes in our lives. Many times, these changes are to lose weight or to improve our health. It is also a good time for commercialism to tap into our monetary resources to try and help us with those changes we want to make. Everyone seems to be selling the perfect diet, supplements or workout gear. Usually, if it sounds too good to be true, it is. Here are a few positive changes you can make that won’t cost you a dime.
- Family fun: Take time to play with your kids. Not only is a game of tag, football, baseball, or a family walk good for your health, it is also a good time to build relationships.
- Step it up: Park farther away. Not only can this save you the hassle of finding a closer parking space, it’s a good way to increase your physical activity. So is taking the stairs and avoiding the elevator or escalator.
- Make chores a workout: There are several jobs around the house that can increase your heart rate. Some of these are scrubbing the bathtub, vacuuming, raking the yard, and washing the windows.
- Practice portion control: Evidence has shown that the more we are served, the more we will eat. And, over the years, our food portion sizes have increased dramatically. It’s okay to have leftovers and not clean your plate. Stop eating when you are no longer hungry.
- Just add water: Even though water is essential for maintaining good health, we forget to drink it. Water accounts for 50 – 75 percent of our bodies. It is essential that we drink six to eight 8 ounce glasses a day because our bodies can’t produce all that we need.
Water is also found in some of the foods that we eat. While it is found in dairy, carbohydrate, and protein foods, fruits and vegetables are the best sources – lettuce (95%), watermelon (92%), strawberries (91%), broccoli (91%), carrots (87%), and bananas (75%).
Why do we need water?
- Water carries other nutrients throughout our bodies.
- Water keeps food moving through our intestines, helps to wash out waste products, and helps to prevent constipation.
- Water bathes our joints so they can move more smoothly.
- Water aids in keeping our body temperatures normal.
- And water can keep you from becoming dehydrated. Signs that you may not be getting enough water are dry mouth, less urine when you go to the bathroom (or you don’t need to use the bathroom), and dizziness or light-headedness.
Don’t like to drink plain water? Try drinking low-calorie decaffeinated tea or adding a low-calorie drink mix to your water such as lemonade.
For more information on the importance of water, contact the Garland County Extension Office at 623-6841 or 922-4703, email Jessica at jvincent@uada.edu, or visit our website at www.uaex.uada.edu.
EHC Information
Are you interested in joining an existing Extension Homemakers Club? EHC is the largest volunteer organization in the state. For information on EHC call 623-6841 or 922-4703 or email jvincent@uada.edu.
Master Gardeners
If you’re interested in becoming a Master Gardener and would like more information, you’re welcome to attend their monthly meeting on the 3rd Thursday of each month at 1pm at the Elks Lodge. You may also call the Extension office on 623-6841 or 922-4703 or email abates@uada.edu.
4-H Information
We have several 4-H clubs for our Garland county youth who are 5 to 19 years old. For more information on all the fun 4-H activities there are, call the Extension Office at 623-6841 or 922-4703 or email Linda Bates at lbates@uada.edu.
The Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, gender, age, disability, marital or veteran status, or any other legally protected status, and is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer
By Jessica Vincent
County Extension Agent - FCS
The Cooperative Extension Service
U of A System Division of Agriculture
Media Contact: Jessica Vincent
County Extension Agent - FCS
U of A Division of Agriculture
Cooperative Extension Service
236 Woodbine Hot Springs AR 71901
(501) 623-6841
jvincent@uada.edu
The Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service is an equal opportunity/equal access/affirmative
action institution. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate or need
materials in another format, please contact your County Extension office (or other
appropriate office) as soon as possible. Dial 711 for Arkansas Relay.
The Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to all eligible persons
regardless of race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin,
religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, or any
other legally protected status, and is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.