Five tips to get healthier and slimmer

Question: What are five simple ways to be healthier?

Answer: With warmer weather just around the corner, you may be thinking about fitting into shorts and swimsuits after a long winter. Leading a healthier lifestyle can assist in shedding a few pounds to get ready for the beach this summer.

Here are five simple tips to get you started:

1. Get out for a walk. Short walks have many health benefits. Walking gets your heart pumping, your metabolism moving, and can help clear your mind. However, if your goal is to lose weight, you will need to break a sweat with a more aggressive workout.

2. Avoid unnecessary sodium chloride, or table salt. Many foods contain hidden salt. Carefully check the labels of canned soups, deli meats, and tomato sauces. Too much salt and not enough water can lead to hypertension and other conditions. A common misconception is that food tastes bland without salt. When cooking, use other spices to flavor your food, such as pepper, parsley, and oregano.

3. Drink plenty of water. Water intake is an important aspect of your health. Drinking water not only jump-starts your metabolism and nourishes your skin, it also promotes good kidney function.

4. Get a good night's rest. Sleeping soundly through the night is important for your brain function. You can get eight hours of sleep, but if you didn't sleep through the night, you are more likely to experience poor concentration and fatigue.

5. Get a physical. Take advantage of the free physical every year provided by your insurance company. Taking the time to do this is important for preventive care.

Whether you are motivated to exercise, diet, sleep better, or stress less, making small and simple changes can help you feel better and be healthier.