The mother of an 11-year old daughter and a 13-year old son, she was
taken by surprise when something happened that made her quit smoking in
one day. Her son told her that he had something very important to tell her.
With a quick response of, "Okay, what is it?" he said, "No, I really need to
talk to you." She knew by the look on his face and the tone of his voice that
this was something important. Her son looked her square in the face and
without wavering said, "I want you to quit smoking because I don't want you
to die. I want a mother in my life." With that, she walked over to an ashtray,
put out her cigarette, and now almost seven years later, she still does not
smoke. While this will not work for everyone, the next time you pick up a
cigarette; take a minute to consider how your child or family would feel if you
were no longer around.
13. Mixing Medications
Many people do not realize how dangerous mixing medications can be. In
fact, some combinations are lethal. If you are on medication, make sure
your physician knows everything you take, including herbs and
supplements. To take it one-step further, when you have a new prescription
filled, ask the pharmacist if there are any bad interactions with your other
current medication.
14. Drink Wisely
There is nothing wrong with a couple of social drinks or a glass of wine or
beer with dinner, but if you drink, you need to be wise. First, if you drink to
the point of being drunk, keep in mind that you are causing damage to your
liver. Second, if you drink, NEVER drink and drive.
15. Young at Heart
Regardless of your age, if you start acting too old, you will actually not
benefit yourself at all. Studies have shown that people who act old, feel old,
and can actually suffer from problems before their time. Do not be afraid to
be youthful, within reason. The next time you see a man in his seventies
running a marathon or a woman keeping up in aerobic class, you can see
that by refusing to give into age, they are healthier and live much longer
lives.