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Readers share advice for a healthier life

BY KATHY MANWEILER

The Wichita Eagle

Sometimes a little advice can make a big difference in your life. I asked people to share the best health advice they'd ever heard, and here's a sample of the tips that help Alive & Well readers feel better:

A headache remedy

Many years ago, we hosted a foreign exchange student from Norway. She is very health-conscious, and our family embraces this philosophy as well. I try not to take many over-the-counter medications for headaches, but there is inevitably an occasional need for it.

One time I didn't have any Tylenol or ibuprofen, so our student, Sidsela, suggested that I drink some water. I have since tried this on many occasions when I have a headache. It really works! When I chug about 12 to 15 ounces of water, my head almost always feels better within 30 minutes.

I am a midwife and have suggested this technique for my pregnant patients because it is safer than taking medication while pregnant. Medical research shows that a headache can stem from mild dehydration.

Drink up -- it might help a headache disappear.

-- Deidre DeGrado, Wichita

Better balance

Good balance is very important for everyone. So my advice is to work on your balance by standing on one foot while talking on the phone, ironing, washing dishes, etc. In other words, whenever you can.

-- Georgeana Lawrence, Wichita

A simple exercise

Years ago, I asked our family physician to suggest the best exercise for losing weight. He answered by shaking his head back and forth! Yes, when tempted to overeat or to consume high-calorie, high-fat foods, just shake your head no.

-- Kathi Fischer, Wichita

Slow and steady

My favorite piece of health advice came from my sister, Jodi, who is a labor and delivery nurse. After my husband and I had a beautiful baby girl, I felt a little down because I could not just get right back into my regular jeans. My sister said, "Debra, it took you 9 months to put it on. It is not going to come off in one month."

It made perfect sense. Slow and steady will win me this race. Through good food choices, portions and exercise, I was able to drop the weight in a year. The advice worked three more times after that, as well.

I have four beautiful children ages 10, 8, 6, and 2 who also love spinach salad, fresh fruit and vegetables and grilled salmon. I am not a short-order cook, so they were going to eat what I was fixing for myself.

So her advice not only touched my life, but the lives of my family as well.

-- Debra Gann, Wichita

Keep colds away

Here's a health tip that seems to be working for me:

When I'm in a public place, shopping or just not at home, I don't touch my face. Then when I get home, the first thing I do is wash my hands with soap and water.

I think this works since I haven't had a cold or the flu in at least three years.

-- Wanda Plank, Wichita

Walk for your health

As a young medical student, I learned this quotation that is attributed to Hippocrates, who has been called the father of medicine: "Walking is the best medicine." In my view, I've never learned or experienced a better tip.

-- Robert H. Robinson, Wichita

Write it down

Write down what you eat and the number of calories in it every day. A lady in her 90s shared this health hint with me and others. She has followed this advice for about 25 years and stays at her goal weight. It makes you aware of wise and poor choices that you make with food, and you learn to make healthier food choices.

-- Gloria Clover, Arkansas City

Sleep comes first

I think this simple health tip is really what all other health tips hinge upon, and that is to get enough sleep.

When I am sleep-deprived, I lack motivation to exercise, I just don't feel well, and I am destined for failure before my feet hit the floor. I try to set my schedule so that I go to bed early and get up early and exercise first thing in the morning when I am at my peak. Then my workout is done and out of the way.

I really feel that getting enough sleep helps you the most in staying focused on your goals.

-- Paige Alexander, Wichita

Reward yourself

If you're trying to lose weight, don't step on the scale all the time.

That is just part one. The bigger piece of the puzzle is to reward yourself every week or two with something better than food, like a manicure or a new movie. Something that's small but worth it. The reward doesn't have to be costly. As a newlywed, I'm tight on money, so my reward is to lie down, take a nap, and just put off some of the chores.

I reward myself if I stay within my calories for the day and do my workouts. After about a month of doing this, I step on the scale. That is when it is all just worth it! I lost six pounds in three weeks, and I feel great! At this rate I'll meet the big reward of a cute little bikini!

-- Michelle Presnell, Valley Center

Don't go it alone

Shortly after I retired from teaching, I joined Genesis Health Clubs.

The club was very close to my home, so I believed I would be motivated to exercise regularly on my own. Well, I was wrong. My exercise routine lasted a very short time, but I was committed to a two-year contract, so I paid and never took advantage of my membership.

At the end of my contract, I went over to cancel the membership. When I finished my sad story of my lack of discipline and commitment, the manager, Johnny Steven, pitched me a deal. He said he would forego my fees for three months if, during that time, I would attend a group fitness class.

This guy is smart and really knows his stuff, because group exercise is exactly what I needed. It gave me the accountability and the social aspect in addition to great aerobic and toning workouts. I have been a faithful member of this class for the past three years and have no plans to quit ever!

-- Sydney McPeak, Wichita

Watch your food choices

Never eat anything that has a face or a mother! This advice has helped me to eat much less meat and many more fruits and vegetables.

-- Joe Stout, Wichita

A vegetable fan

I heard this piece of advice from TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) retreat leader Teri Ord: Vegetables didn't make us fat.

That lets me know that eating vegetables is OK when I am struggling to stay away from other foods. It gives me permission to eat more while making a food choice that is good for me. Vegetables are low in calories, full of nutrition and filling because of the fiber. Plus, the crunch of fresh veggies is really satisfying.

-- Linda Shane, Wichita

Hungry or thirsty?

Drink a glass of water when you feel hungry. Many times, hunger is mistaken for thirst and the "hunger" is relieved with water. I also like to put lemon in my water so I feel like it is more satisfying.

-- Judy Zimmerman, Wichita

Listen to your body

After I had knee surgery, a cast and a year of rehab, my doctor said: "It's not when your next knee surgery will occur, but only how many more." So his advice was to stay active and listen to your body.

-- Tim Baron, Kansas City, Mo.