By: Dave Macek

Did you ever think that being healthy can also make you wealthy? It’s true! Making healthy choices in your life can actually save you money! You can make changes in your health right now that will help reduce next month’s bills and also help years into the future. Are you ready? All that is needed is the desire to change and a plan.

Below are three easy tips that will allow you to improve your health and your wealth:

1. Walk or ride a bike to wherever you’re going.

Health: Walking or riding a bike are excellent ways to get exercise. It is suggested that adults do 30 minutes of moderate exercise 5 days a week. This exercise will help you control your weight and improve your heart, muscles, and bones!

Wealth: Aren’t gas prices too high? By walking or riding a bike, you will buy less gas and save money to spend on more important things. The average person spends over $30 per week on gas! Not driving helps the environment too. You can be a role model for your community!

What if…My destination is farther than a walk or bike ride? Take the bus or trolley and bring your bike with you!

2. Eat at home instead of at restaurants and fast food shops.

Health: Most restaurants add many extra ingredients to their food making it very unhealthy. If you cook at home, you will be sure that the meal is best for your body. Also, restaurants offer extra large portions that we end up eating making us feel stuffed and tired. Eating home can solve this problem. Plus, many families find that cooking together is a lot of fun!

Wealth: The cost to eat at home is much less than eating out. By making sure you buy only what you need, you can save a bunch of money. Restaurants must charge higher prices to pay their workers and bills. If you cook at home, you make the menu and keep the tips for yourself!

What if…I do not know how to cook? There are many websites that offer great tips for cooking healthy. Download a Latino Recipe Book at http://www.cdph.ca.gov/programs/cpns/Pages/Recipes.aspx. Enjoy!

3. Make goals and promise yourself to live a healthy life.

Health: Living a healthy life gives you the energy to do the things that you love. By setting goals for exercising and eating healthy, you can live a long and happy life. Start with small goals first (bike to work or eat at home once this week) and work your way into up!

Wealth: Making healthy choices in your life helps you save money on hospital bills, medications, and other medical expenses over a lifetime. Staying healthy also keeps you from missing work and helps you achieve your goals!

What if…I have tried in the past and couldn’t do it? Its ok, try again! Life gives us many chances to succeed so take advantage of it. You have unlimited potential to improve your health!

Start the change today!

This public health message is brought to you by SDPRC/Familias Sanas y Activas. For more info on our free physical activity programs in South Bay, please contact Sara Solaimani at 619-594-2965.

Articles by Dave Macek