Take responsibility for your quality of life

Terry Delamater, RPh, [email protected].

We've begun a new year and 2024 is an opportunity to improve the quality of your life by taking responsibility for your own well being. Taking responsibility for your health is the first step, and nutrition is the most important factor of healthy living. However, the benefits of good nutrition do not happen overnight. Months, maybe even years, are needed to take control of your life by healthy eating.

The first step is to dramatically reduce the amount of sugar in your diet. People today consume more sugar in a week than our ancestors of 150 years ago consumed in a year! Sugar is addicting and it is in everything. So start by doing this one thing: Drink water instead of sugary drinks. Not only will you save money, but you will lose weight and lower your A1C. Keep in mind that plastic bottles release cancer-causing chemicals and are bad for the environment. The drinking fountain at Sculpt365 Health Clubs in Tehachapi is filtered well water.

The second easy step is to reduce your salt consumption. Almost everyone can lower their blood pressure by lowering their sodium intake, even people currently on blood pressure-reducing drugs. A new study found that 70 to 75 percent of people who reduced their salt intake by about 1 teaspoon a day saw a decline in systolic blood pressure by about 6 millimeters of mercury. That's as effective as taking medication.

Bring in a copy of this article to receive a free 40oz insulated stainless steel tumbler.

– Terry Delamater is the owner of Sculpt365 Health Clubs and a retired Pharmacist.