What You Learned in First Grade Can Help You Stay Healthy at Any Age
July 2003 — Many of life’s basic principles were taught in first grade — from learning the alphabet as a foundation to reading and writing, to the importance of sharing and waiting your turn to get along well with others.
Why, then, are the lessons of good health so readily forgotten?
“The key to health, no matter what your age, is remembering what you learned in first grade,” says Warren Feldman, MD, family practitioner on the medical staff at Memorial Regional Hospital. “We were taught the food pyramid and the major food groups, such as meat, fruits and vegetables, grains, and dairy products. We were told that smoking was bad for us. Recess taught us that exercise was good for us. The key to maintaining good health is remembering these early instructions and using common sense.”
Healthy Foundations
“People who take care of themselves in their 20s and 30s have a better chance of experiencing fewer problems in their 50s and 60s,” says Dr. Feldman. “But regardless of age, it’s never too late to start making health a priority. The reward for eating right, getting plenty of rest and having regular checkups is increased health and improved quality of life.”
Positive habits can be developed at any age. For example:
- Cook freash foods at home
- Avoid prepared, packaged foods as much as possible
- Read food labels
- Use liquid olive oil or canola oil instead of margarine
- Eat a reasonable amount of meat, fish, poultry and vegetables
- Avoid "colored" foods such as sugar-laden cerals
- Get plenty of rest
- Perform low-impact exercise such as walking, swimming or biking
- Stop smoking
- Get regular physical checkups
- Drink alcohol in moderation - one drink per day for women, two for men
- Keep vaccinations current
- practice safe sex
- Keep vaccinations up to date, including tetanus every 10 years
- If traveling, investigate possible health risks and take steps to prevent them
- Don't limit healthcare to only what insurance will pay for - if a checkup or treatment is required, make it priority
- Address medical needs promptly - don't ignore them
- Seek the advice of qualified healthcare professinals
Nutrition
Lifestyle
Additional Guidelines
Good Health Through the Ages
“Use common sense and listen to your body,” says Dr. Feldman. “Be proactive in taking care of yourself and consult your doctor, nurse or other healthcare professional about any health concerns.”
For a referral to a physician, call the Memorial Healthcare System Physician Referral Service at
(800) 944-DOCS.