Changing Eating Habits

There are many reasons to start a new diet or change your eating habits completely. Perhaps you want to be healthier or maybe your doctor recommended changes. Regardless of the reason, changing your diet isn’t always the easiest thing to do. Eating habits are just like any other habit and can take some work to change. Setting up a plan before you start can help to eliminate some of the challenges you may encounter as well as help to make sure you don’t end up too overwhelmed.

Set a proper eating plan- A proper eating plan should include foods you enjoy along and nuts. Try to pick low calorie foods that will “stick” with you and help you to feel full along with satisfying your palette. Be sure to eat foods with a good deal of fiber as well.

If you are able, slowly wean yourself off of your favorite foods that are heavily processed or unhealthy. Do research and try to replace your old favorites with new, healthy options. There are many recipes available to help you get a specific flavor you may crave while using healthy ingredients.

If you have any allergies or specific nutritional needs, have your doctor or a dietician look over your plan to find any gaps or to provide recommendations on how to better it. They may recommend vitamins or supplements to go along with your plan.

Set Realistic Goals – Regardless of if you are trying to lose weight or just change your diet for other health reasons, be sure to set realistic goals. Being realistic helps you to have long term success. Set up a reasonable time line for your changes to occur!

Take small steps – Change can be hard! By making small changes over a period of time, you’ll find that new eating habits sink in better. Some experts suggest making just one change each week, to give you time to get used to the new behavior. You want your new habits to last a lifetime so don’t attempt to rush it!

Get started by stocking your fridge and cabinets with healthy food. Avoid stocking unhealthy foods! By keeping better options around, when you get hungry you have no choice but to pick a good option. 

Team up – The “buddy system” is fantastic for major lifestyle changes such as diet! Support is an essential part of any habit change. Even if you can’t find someone to team up with in person, check out online communities. In the digital age we live in, support can be found in many places! 

Track your meals – Keep either a physical or digital diary of your meals including snacks. If you are aiming for a calorie specific diet, be sure to keep track of each food item’s calories. There are many apps and books available to help you!

Antibiotics

Antibiotics are a drug used in the treatment and prevention of bacterial infections. They can both kill or slow down growth of bacteria. First discovered in 1928, antibiotics have helped to revolutionize modern medicine. With many strains now available and used worldwide, many diseases such as tuberculosis have been nearly eradicated. 

When your doctor prescribes you an antibiotic that you have not taken before, it is important to monitor yourself for side effects and how well the medication is working to eliminate your illness. Many people have found themselves to be allergic to certain antibiotics so always be upfront with your doctor about any adverse effects you have had in the past. Some antibiotics are closely related so being transparent will help to ensure you do not get prescribed anything that may cause an allergic reaction. 

It is also very important to follow your doctor and pharmacist’s instructions perfectly. Not finishing a round of antibiotics or taking antibiotics that were previously prescribed is not recommended and can cause a variety of issues. If you feel like you are dealing with an illness that requires antibiotics, never take any without doctor’s approval or their recommendation. 

Due to their effectiveness and affordability, antibiotics are a great tool for treating a variety of illnesses. Taken under proper direction and supervision, they can offer a quick recovery for what is ailing you. Don’t forget to use your FreeRxPlus savings card whenever you visit the pharmacy to make sure you get the best price possible.

Fourth of July Safety

The Fourth of July seems to be the perfect time to gather with family and friends for fireworks, grilling, and fun. Ensuring that safety is at the forefront of everyone’s minds can help make this the best celebration yet.

Grilling Safety: It’s easy to still enjoy grilling your favorite meals while staying safe. Remember to always follow manufacturer’s instructions and recommendations in addition to the tips below.

• Check gas grill hoses for cracks, holes and leaks. Replace the entire hose if an issue is found.
• ALWAYS keep children away from grills and fire pits.
• Never grill indoors or in any enclosed area. The fumes can be toxic and dangerous.
• Never grill on a surface that might catch fire.
• Keep the grill at least two feet away from decks, siding, branches and any other flammable objects.

Fireworks Safety: Fireworks can be an amazing sight and so much fun if handled appropriately. Check with your local authorities to determine if there are any location specific rules you need to follow.

• Never point any fireworks in the direction of yourself or anyone else.
• Only light fireworks on the ground. Make sure the ground does not have flammable materials such as dry leaves, oil, etc.
• Don’t attempt to light multiple fireworks at the same time.
• Never allow young children to handle fireworks.
• Keep a water hose or buckets full of water close by. Having fire extinguishers close is also a good idea.

Water Safety: Enjoying water activities are a great way to help beat the heat! Be sure to obey any local rules or regulations in addition to the safety tips below.

• Never consume alcohol while operating a watercraft. Have a plan in place of who will drive and who will drink.
• Always ensure that there are enough life preservers for everyone on board.
• Keep a first aid kit near your pool and on your watercraft.
• Determine who to reach out to in case of an emergency at the pool and lake or ocean.

From all of us here at FreeRxPlus, we wish you a safe and happy Fourth of July!