A Few Good Tricks

I’ve had sinus problems since I was a child. After I underwent three very painful and ineffective surgeries, a friend told me I should try eliminating dairy products from my diet. Of course, I ignored him. Later in life, I developed lactose intolerance. Since eliminating dairy, I’ve had far fewer problems with my sinuses.
Ken McElrath
Phoenix, Arizona

Water and exercise. My grandmother has always been a water-drinking fanatic, and she loves camping, hiking, and outdoor sports. At 75, she’s in perfect health, so I try to follow her example.
Rachel Haifley
Pensacola, Florida

I keep a container of almonds and raisins in my car for snacks. They give me the energy I need to walk my dogs after I come home from a long day at work, and they help me avoid the temptation of fast-food drive-throughs.
Tanya Bogolawski
Portland, Maine

Deep breaths clear the mind, reduce stress, and allow you to visualize your aches and relax the affected muscles. They can be performed anywhere, anytime, and they produce immediate results. Taking a slow, deep breath simply reboots the system.
Jill Murtagh
Chicago, Illinois

Diet and Exercise

I run two miles a day on the treadmill and do resistance training three times a week at the gym. More to the point, though, I have a toddler to chase after.
Subha Subramanian
Hayward, California

I remember a 93-year-old woman who was in one of my first yoga classes. She walked three miles a day and did yoga once a week. It was inspiring to see someone her age so healthy, and it reminds me that concentrating on my overall health throughout life is completely worth the effort.
Lynsey Hager
Grand Forks, North Dakota

I maintain good emotional health first. I think of myself in a positive light as much as possible and keep negative people out of my life. If I feel I’m worth the effort, it’s easier to make the choice to maintain my physical health. I’ll make that trip to the gym or choose a salad over a burger. Even if I don’t feel like it at the time, I always feel good about it later.
Bev Chu
Fremont, California

Your Turn

Share your own story: What is your secret for staying healthy?