Two for One Tips for Mental Acuity & Physical Well-Being

The great thing about Tampa health plans is that they provide peace of mind so you can live your life free of worry that in the event of a medical emergency, you won't have to face major expenses that you're unable to pay. In addition to making sure you have a Tampa health insurance plan that meets your budget and lifestyle, there are a number of inexpensive ways you can boost your health AND keep out-of-pocket health care costs to a minimum. Feed two birds with one scone! Follow these tips to improve both physical AND mental well-being at any age:

1. Walk for at least 20 minutes a day to lower blood sugar and stimulate blood flow to the brain.
2. Replace candy bars with snacks like almonds, walnuts and blueberries. Antioxidants in blueberries and Omega 3's in almonds and walnuts work to improve mental functioning.
3. Consume heart- and brain- healthy fish like sardines and salmon. Eat wild fish instead of farmed (domestically raised) fish which can contain harmful metals that may contribute to cognitive impairments.
4. It may sound odd, but check your neck, particularly if you are in your senior years. A clot in your carotid artery, the main artery in your neck, can stunt your memory by preventing adequate blood and oxygen from getting to your brain. Your doctor can use his or her stethoscope to make sure all is clear.
5. For a power snack, try a combination of apples, oranges, cantaloupe and pears. This combination prevents elevated blood sugar that can prevent brain cells from firing properly. These fruits also provide fiber and antioxidants that help scrub plaque from brain arteries and mop up free radicals that impede clear thinking.
6. Shake and stretch. The gentle shaking out and stretching of your limbs reduces the brain-sapping stress hormone cortisol. It also triggers relaxation and alertness that keeps your brain sharp. Take a couple minutes to do this several times throughout the day, especially in the morning and at night.
7. Take half hour catnaps to boost concentration, memory and physical energy. The first stage of sleep alone can provide a much-needed mental boost.
8. Reduce your sodium intake. Excessive sodium leads to hypertension which can cause heart problems. Furthermore, decreasing the sodium in your diet will improve blood flow to the brain, reducing the risk of dementia.
9. Take steps to reduce stress and anger. Practices such as yoga, deep breathing and meditation reduce stress and are great ways of channeling anger in a healthy way. Stress associated with chronic anger can actually shrink memory centers in the brain, in addition to a number of other harmful blows to the nervous system.
10. Always be proactive when it comes to your health. Follow these tips, find the Tampa health insurance package that's right for you (if you haven't already done so), and you'll be on your way to a long and healthy life.

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Serving central and west coast Florida, Bay Marketing, a licensed independent contractor with Blue Cross Blue
Shield of Florida, has been providing Tampa health insurance plan information for individuals and employers during the last
twenty years. Many of their professional agents specialize in both individual and commercial health insurance for the florida business
owner. Call 813-882-3598 / 800-330-3598 or contact Bay Marketing for an online individual and group insurance quote at Florida Health Plans Online.

Author Elliot Bigman.