Health Education

Health Education

Maintain a healthy lifestyle to prevent complications of chronic conditions.  It is important to see your doctor or healthcare provider regularly to treat medical problems or control chronic conditions before they get so serious that you have to go to an emergency room. A healthy lifestyle includes weight control, healthy eating and physical activity, as well as taking medications correctly.

Weight Control 

• To teach your body to burn more calories just become more physically active.
• Do not lose weight too fast. ½ to 1 pound per week to best.
• Remember, you gain weight slowly.  Quick weight loss diets don’t work.

Healthy Eating 

• Focus on healthier foods.  Choose low fat versions of your favorite foods.
• Choose lean cuts of meat in small portions.
• Try non-fat or low fat dairy foods.
• Prepare food without added fat using healthy cooking methods: bake, broil, sauté, grill, steam, poach, stir fry.  Season with herbs, wine or fruit juices instead of fat.  Use less salt and sugar. 
• Do not skip meals.  Eat healthy snacks.  Eat less, more often.

 Physical Activity

• Be sure to talk to your doctor before doing any physical activity.
• Start slowly, walking at a comfortable pace for 15 minutes, 3 to 5 days a week should not cause pain.  Gradually increase time and distance.
• When going shopping, park in the farthest spot from the store.
• Get off the elevator a few floors below your floor and walk upstairs.
• Dance to faster songs rather than slow ones.
• Walk around your building during your lunch hours.
• Choose an activity you enjoy and one that will be easy for you to do often.

 Tips for Taking Your Medications

• Make it a part of your routine.  Take it after you brush your teeth.
• Use a pill box.
• Mark your calendar a few days or more before it’s time for refills.
• Take them as your doctor tells you.
• Make a list of the drugs you take.  Take it with you to the doctor’s office or drug store to make sure what’s on the list is correct.

Remember a healthy lifestyle is a healthy choice.  Treat yourself in a positive way. Ask your healthcare provider for:  Assistance with smoking cessation, support groups or counseling for emotional, alcohol and drug use issues. 

Miami Beach Community Health Center provides patients with educational materials in their language of preference.  It also provides support and educational lectures on different health related topics such as HIV, Prenatal Care, Obesity, Nutrition, Mental Health and Child Development. 

For more information see calendar of events.