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5 Things You Can Do Now To Improve Your Financial Security For Retirement (continued)

As I promised, here is the second action step every Baby Boomer woman should be taking now.

2. Take extra steps NOW to safeguard your health.

We tend to focus obsessively on our financial capital, but it’s our human capital-our “aliveness”-that is really the engine that makes a long life continually worth living.
Make the time now to improve your fitness and stress management or try yoga or meditation. Raise your awareness of what to do in the event of a stroke or heart attack (a fast response, including taking aspirin at the first sign of a possible stroke, can reduce any long-term harmful effects).  A new member of our staff discovered, at age 50, that due to neglect and overwork in prior employment, his health and stamina were that of a feeble 75 year old.  Don’t let that happen to you. -Turn it around (as this staffer did) before it’s too late.

Eat a healthy diet. “‘You want to eat as close to a natural foods diet as you can,’ says Donald Novey, MD, an integrative medicine physician with the Advocate Medical Group in Park Ridge, Ill.  That means a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables and fewer processed foods.  Avoid foods and beverages that are high in calories, sugar, salt, and fat.[1]

“Heart disease is the leading cause of death among women in America, but plenty of exercise can help keep your heart healthy. You want to exercise at least 30 minutes a day, five days a week, if not every day. Aerobic exercises (walking, swimming, jogging, bicycling, dancing) are good for women’s health in general and especially for your heart, says Sabrena Merrill, MS, of Lawrence, Kan., a certified personal trainer and group fitness instructor and a spokeswoman for the American Council on Exercise. [2]

“No matter what stage of her life-daughter, mother, grandmother-a woman often wears many hats and deals with a lot of pressure and stress.  ‘Take a few minutes every day just to relax and get your perspective back again,’ Novey says.  ‘It doesn’t take long, and mental health is important to your physical well-being.’  You also can manage stress with exercise, relaxation techniques, or meditation.” [3]

[1] Quoted from EverydayHealth.com “6 Ways to Boost Women’s Health” by Beth W. Orenstein, May 20, 2009
[2] Quoted from EverydayHealth.com “6 Ways to Boost Women’s Health” by Beth W. Orenstein, May 20, 2009
[3] Quoted from EverydayHealth.com “6 Ways to Boost Women’s Health” by Beth W. Orenstein, May 20, 2009

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