CDA Essentials 2017 • Volume 4 • Issue 6

S upporting Y our P ractice Good health is a precious commodity. It allows you to live life to the fullest and avoid extended time away from your practice. It also depends, to a large extent, on your choices. These 5 areas are key to staying on top of your health today, so you can thrive in your practice, and life, tomorrow: Invest in Your Heart Health Nine in ten Canadians have at least one risk factor for stroke or heart disease. 1 Almost 80% of premature stroke and heart disease can be prevented by making some simple lifestyle changes:   Eat Healthily When your body is hungry it wants nutrients, not calories. Most of us are familiar with the 4 food groups (fruit and vegetables, grains, dairy and meat). Search “ Eating Well with Canada's Food Guide ” online for guideline recommendations.   Exercise Regularly Regular exercise can help maintain a healthy weight, reduce stress, lower your blood pressure and provide many other health benefits. 2 Recommendations include: • At least 150 minutes of moderate (brisk walking, bike riding) to vigorous (jogging, cross-country skiing) exercise per week. • At least 20 minutes on any given occasion. • Add muscle and bone strengthening activities at least twice a week. Before starting an exercise program, talk to your doctor about what is most appropriate for your health status.   Quit Smoking Once you stop smoking, your risk of getting heart disease drops dramatically— and in a short time. So it’s never too late to quit. Your physician can suggest a smoking cessation program that’s right for you. 3 Take Care of Your Back Reduce your chance of back injury by following a few simple preventative measures 4 : • Maintain Your Posture – Your feet should be uncrossed and flat on the floor with your elbows as close to your sides as possible and your neck flexed as little as possible. HEALTH HABITS THAT MATTER Be Healthy Today, To Thrive Tomorrow RenataWhiteman Senior Advisor, Insurance CDSPI Advisory Services Inc. Ms.Whiteman isa licensed insurance advisoratCDSPIAdvisoryServices Inc.,withanexclusivefocusondental professionals.Shecanbereached at1-800-561-9401ext.6806or rwhiteman@cdspi.com forano-cost, no-obligationreviewofyour insurance portfolio. Symptoms of back pain can be the result of a serious neurological, spinal and/or muscular problem. If you experience frequent back pain that does not respond to simple remedies, have a complete evaluation by a doctor. 30 | 2017 | Issue 8