Easy Solutions to the Biggest Health Excuses ~ Hot Gossip Town

Use these simple ideas to get back on track and add years to your life

By Rachel Morris

1. The excuse: "Every time I work out, I feel like I deserve a yummy treat—then I eat all the calories I burn. So I don't bother with exercise."

WHY IT'S HARMFUL If you skip physical activity, you miss out on its many benefits, including better sleep and mood. And if you're looking to slim down, it's more effective to pair a healthy diet with regular fitness than do just one or the other.
BYE-BYE, EXCUSE! Think of treating your body well as the real treat. One study found that people who view fitness as fun, rather than approaching it as a chore, are less likely to reward themselves with food after a sweat session. So change your mindset from "I have to exercise" to "I get to exercise," and remind yourself of the pluses (less stress, more energy and time for self-reflection, to name a few).
2. The excuse: "I don't feel like eating in the A.M."

WHY IT'S HARMFUL People who skip breakfast tend to consume more calories overall than those who eat inthe morning. In fact, if your stomach isn't rumbling for a morning meal within an hour or so of waking up, it likely means you're eating too muchin the evening and at other times during the day.
BYE-BYE, EXCUSE! To consume less at night so you'll be hungry in the morning, suck on a piece of peppermint candy after dinner: You'll be less inclined to overeat, as a minty taste won't pair well with a second helping of lasagna. If you still aren't in the mood to eat a full breakfast, have a small snack instead, such as a banana with 1 Tbsp peanut butter or a lowfat latte, so you're not ravenous by lunchtime.
3. The excuse: "I brush my teeth, but flossing is such a pain."

WHY IT'S HARMFUL Cleaning out the gunk between your teeth doesn't just help reduce plaque and tooth decay while whitening your choppers, it also affects your overall health. Gum disease, which flossing helps to prevent, has been linked to cardiovascular problems and diabetes.
BYE-BYE, EXCUSE! The biggest reason people skip this step is because they're usually in a rush to get out the door or climb into bed. Keep floss in your purse, glove compartment or wherever it's convenient so you can clean your teeth discreetly on the fly, whether in a restroom after eating out or at home watching TV.
4. The excuse: "I don't visit a doctor for yearly checkups—I feel just fine."

WHY IT'S HARMFUL Many issues (like high cholesterol) have no noticeable symptoms until they're too far along to treat easily or effectively. That's why, once you hit your late 30s, it's important that your doctor annually monitor your blood pressure, cholesterol, sugar levels and more so she can catch anything unusual in the early stages.
BYE-BYE, EXCUSE! At the very least, schedule a yearly appointment with your gynecologist. Most will give a breast exam, take blood pressure and do blood work if you ask, in addition to performing Pap smears and pelvic exams when necessary.
5. The excuse: "Sometimes I forget to take my medications."

WHY IT'S HARMFUL Skipping the occasional dose of certain meds, like those for thyroid issues, won't harm you. But for other conditions, missing even a single pill can be dangerous. Studies have found that not taking daily blood pressure medication as directed increases the chance of stroke by up to six times, and other research shows that missing a dose of arthritis drugs makes the problem more challenging to treat.
BYE-BYE, EXCUSE! Have your prescriptions mailed to you so you don't risk forgetting to make a trip to the pharmacy. Services like PillPack will even process refills automatically so you won't find yourself suddenly without medication.

SOURCES: Alice Boghosian, DDS, spokesperson, American Dental Association. Kelly Cassano, DO, medical director, West Park Medical Group, New York City. Chris Freytag, certified personal trainer and founder, GetHealthyU.com. Roshini Raj, MD, assistant professor of medicine, NYU School of Medicine. Rebecca Solomon, RD, director, clinical nutrition, Mount Sinai Beth Israel.
Photos by Getty Images

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