Dr. C's Keys to a happy life

A hardy hello! from the land of red rock desert, flat topped mountains, spectacular vistas and the nicest people on earth!  There's a saying in medicine, "If all the world's a stage, doctors get a front row seat."  Well, for nearly 20 years now I've been sitting in that seat doing my best to help peoples lives be better - trying to help them be "happy" if you will.  While each individuals circumstances are unique, here's some things that I think can help us all:

 Dr. C’s Keys to a Happy Life

1. Smile.  While we can’t always change situations, we can change our attitude. Besides, it’s contagious!
2. Develop healthy habits.  What you can do for yourself is much more than your doctor can do for you.
3. Be active in your church.  Spiritual health improves emotional and physical health.
4. Exercise, exercise, exercise!  It’s the fountain of youth.
5. Have regular medical checkups; know your blood pressure and cholesterol and have recommended cancer screening.
6. Enjoy life.  Each day is a wonderful gift with its special moments.  Find them.  Relax, enjoy, love, live.
7. Food is wonderful, but not in excess.  Emphasize small portions with a lot of raw fruits and vegetables.  Go easy on the junk food and fat.  Remember, obesity is second only to tobacco as a preventable cause of disease.
8. Sleep an average of 8 hours daily.  Benefit from its healing and rejuvenation.
9. Seat belts, helmets and life jackets.  Accidents are the leading cause of death between the ages of 5 and 40.
10. Make time for family and friends.  After all, when all is said and done, happiness is found in our relationships with others.

Have a great day!  

San Rafael with my children.