Components
A healthy lifestyle is composed of a number of factors, of which diet and exercise are the most obvious. Learning to deal with stress, sleeping enough hours, not smoking and drinking responsibly are also part of the equation.
Significance
Parents who lead a healthy lifestyle are planting the seeds for their kids to go on to healthy lives as well. With childhood obesity reaching epidemic proportions, leading by example is more important than ever, and so is getting your kids involved in learning to live well, eat better, and deal with stress and lack of exercise.
Effects
Medical conditions that are common in older people such as heart disease, osteoporosis and some cancers can be prevented (or the risk of contracting them diminished). The aging process can be slowed by making healthier choices in different areas, and many chronic diseases can be slowed or prevented.
Benefits
Leading a healthy lifestyle can do more than prevent disease. It can also help you have more energy and stamina, stay slim, be more alert, fight stress and live a longer life.
Considerations
Switching to a healthier lifestyle doesn’t need to happen in a day. By making smaller changes and smarter choices you can live with in the long term are better and will provide lasting results.