Wise Health Consumer Month

A wise health consumer is a physically and emotionally healthy consumer, and February is Wise Health Consumer Month. The American Institute of Preventive Medicine, like the Center for Mental Health Services, develops and implements programs designed to prevent ill health and reduce health care costs. Programs that focus on self-care, smoking cessation, weight control, stress management, to name a few, are designed with the wise health consumer in mind. These show the consumer how to make healthy lifestyle choices and live a long, healthy and productive life.

There is ongoing research to understand the relationship between the mind and body with regards to the effect of stress on our health. While there are no firm findings on this as yet, it is well known that our mental health can have an effect on our physical health and vice versa. During this month we must all start or renew our efforts to build healthier minds and bodies. Make healthy choices for yourself and your family when choosing doctors, health insurance and online health information. Choose a healthy lifestyle that suits your individual needs and do everything in moderation. The Surgeon General's prescription for health recommends:

• moderate physical activity, 5 days a week, 30 minutes a day
• avoid toxins - tobacco, illicit drugs, alcohol abuse
• eat at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables a day
• practice responsible sexual behaviors