Healthy Lifestyle Choices

Part of our mission is to improve the quality of life and health of the whole person. We are truly committed to this endeavor and work hard to educate our community about real steps they can take in maintaining or restoring wellness to their lives.

Indeed, wellness is more than just seeing a doctor when you're sick. We believe and encourage our community to become an active participant in their health. We do this by providing community education about an assortment of health-related issues and concerns. The following are some basic guidelines to help you initiate a healthy lifestyle.

The importance of staying fit through exercise is vital to maintaining your good health. Did you know that people who exercise on a regular basis have more energy, decrease their chances of having a heart attack, have increased stamina and strength, and decrease their chance of having a serious physical injury when in an accident? Yes, it's really true. Moreover, increased self-esteem is one of the side benefits to exercising on a regular basis.

Eating the right foods is an important element of maintaining a healthy life style. We encourage you to eat a variety of foods, including fruits, vegetables and whole grains. They are all an important source of vitamins, minerals and dietary fiber. Substituting legumes and soy products in place of meat are also a healthy alternative. If you choose to eat meat, stick to leaner cuts. Finally, limit the consumption of fatty dairy products.

The message on illegal narcotics is clear. They're addictive as well as bad for you. Not only are they toxins that destroy the body and the mind, they kill the relationships you have with others who love and care about you. We also encourage our community to abstain from drinking alcohol. However, if you choose to drink, we believe it should be done only in moderation.

Certainly, it can't hurt to see your doctor on a yearly basis, even if you appear to be in good health. As a professional, doctors have access to the most up-to-date information about health concerns and illnesses. Doctors are also actively involved in their community's health so they know and understand the health issues and concerns of a particular area. Seeing a doctor may just save your life — malignant skin carcinomas have often been found in time due to annual checkups.

Of course, even if you follow these guidelines for a lifetime, there's no guarantee that you'll be healthy and live a life full of vitality. Indeed, environmental and hereditary factors also affect our wellness. But, why not increase the odds in your favor and follow these guidelines so that you can do all that you can to live a healthy life full of vitality. We know the benefits of proper diet, exercise and avoiding drugs. We also know the benefits of poor nutrition, leading a sedentary life, and abusing drugs and alcohol. It really is your choice.

If you want to work toward a healthier lifestyle, you don't have to do it alone. South Coast Medical Center can help. Please call the Health Resource Center at (949) 499-7202 to find out about our free and low-cost health classes or for help finding a physician.

Note: This is for information purposes only and not intended for use in place of the advice of a physician.