A Healthier You In A Few Minutes

Here are some simple steps to keep your health in check when your on the go. It just takes 10 minutes.

1. Straighten Your Back

Stand before a full length mirror in your underwear only and examine your body from the front and side. Things such as weak abdominal muscles, a "muffin top" waist, or slouching shoulders will strain your lower back You should stand up straight with your chest out, shoulders back, head and neck aligned, stomach and pelvis upright. Good posture should be practiced throughout the day.

2. Find The Mole

A majority of us has at least a few flat or raised spots on his skin. It's important to get to know your moles, because there are some cases where they become cancerous. The ones to look out for, often have an irregular border and usually are darker than your skin, with color varying within the mole. Be sure to check areas not normally visible such as under your arms and in skin folds, on your back, and in areas covered by hair. You can always ask a spouse or friend for help, or use a second mirror. If a mole changes or if you find new spots it is advisable to see a dermatologist mmediately.

3. Improve Your Balance

You are less likely to fall and sustain injuries with good balancing skills. To test your balance, see if you can stand on one leg for 30 seconds. If you can then you can try it with your eyes closed for about 10 seconds. If you can't do either, practice some balance maneuvers. Brush your teeth while standing on one leg, or do a "calf raise". A 'calf raise' is standing on your toes without holding on to anything. Aim for a full minute with your eyes open.

4. Check Your Pulse

One good indication of a persons fitness level is his or hers heart rate. Measure it by finding your pulse on your wrist or neck. Then count the beats for 30 seconds and multiply by 2 for your rate per minute. Normal is 60-100, but the lower normal range usually means better fitness. If your resting pulse is above 90, you may need more aerobic exercise, like walking, stair-climbing, or biking. If the rate is above 100, consult your doctor.

5. See the light

Hold up a sheet of white paper with words on it. If you wear glasses, keep them on. Closing one eye at a time and alternating from eye to eye, look at the print. Is it just as sharp with each eye? Is the paper equally bright with each eye? If you notice a difference, it's time to see your eye doctor to make sure a cataract isn't forming.

6. Smell the coffee

Can you smell the difference between coffee and tea, lemons and oranges, peppermint and cloves? If you can't, you may be losing your sense of smell. One study of older people found that the inability to recognize certain smells predicted memory loss and early Alzheimer's disease. Of course, you may just have a stuffy nose, but do see a doctor if you notice a change in your smelling ability that's unrelated to a cold or allergies.

It only takes 10 minutes to do all these easy and simple steps. So why not do it? Remember your health is important too.