We introduce the English alphabets to our kids at a very young age hoping that their language skills and intellect will start developing as they master their A to Z. Likewise, let us try to understand the building blocks of a healthy heart through this set of lifestyle guidelines.
| A | Avoid tobacco products and alcoholic beverages |
| B | Balance your diet by including fruits, veggies and whole grains |
| C | Cheer up and be grateful for what you have |
| D | Discover your hidden talents and use them |
| E | Engage in some form of exercise everyday |
| F | Fruits – everyday; fast foods & fried foods – very rarely |
| G | Goal setting is a useful tool to improve health |
| H | Help others as much as you can |
| I | Invest time in building friendships and relationships |
| J | Juices should ideally be fresh, homemade and sugar free |
| K | Kill the sitting habit; get up and walk as much as possible |
| L | Love unconditionally – Learn a new skill – Leave the past behind |
| M | Make meditation a part of your life |
| N | Nature is all around for us to enjoy, protect it and pass it on |
| O | Open up your feelings to your loved ones |
| P | Play games that bring back memories of childhood |
| Q | Quitting smoking is the best gift you can give yourself |
| R | Refresh your body and soul with active hobbies |
| S | Smile as much as you can; sleep at least 6-7 hours per day |
| T | Television/gadget time should be kept to a minimum |
| U | Use your time wisely – don’t use lack of time as an excuse |
| V | Visit your physician regularly to keep your health in check |
| W | Water – drink a lot; Walking – brisk walk is the most effective |
| X | Xpect less out of others and give more from yourself |
| Y | Young at heart is a feeling, it is a state of mind that can beat aging |
| Z | Zealously follow your dreams but don’t lose track of your health |
If we can lead this lifestyle and set an example for our youngsters to follow, there is going to be a sea of change in how they care for themselves as they grow up.
When the going gets tough, the tough get going – Old Saying
Tough are those who are resilient to unhealthy habits – New Saying