If you do play video games, play interactive ones where you have to move. You don’t even have to leave the house to move – try exercises like jumping jacks, marching in place, going up and down stairs, push-ups or sit-ups at home.

Walk! Take a walk with a friend outside. Walk your dog or your neighbor’s dog, or walk your cat! Instead of driving, walk or bike to school or a friend’s house.

Clean! Vacuum your room. Wash the car. Mow the lawn. Your parents will be happy, and it’s another chance for you to get more exercise, and maybe even have some fun.

Unplug! Limit your time watching TV or using your smartphone, computer or other device. Keep screen time to less than two hours a day. When you do watch TV or use your phone – try marching in place or exercising while you watch/play.

Common signs of depression can include:

• Feeling unhappy, down or sad every day or feeling worthless, guilty, helpless or hopeless. 
• Loss of interest in hobbies, activities and people you once enjoyed.
• Trouble sleeping or sleeping more than usual, or feeling tired, weak or low in energy.
• Loss of appetite or eating too much.
• Having trouble concentrating, remembering or making decisions.
• Thinking or talking about suicide.

Find out more online at liveandworkwell.com.

How do I know my medicine is working?

Be patient. Give it time to work. Most people start to feel better after several weeks. You should feel less tired or worried, little by little. It may take a while to get the full benefits of your medicine.

Doctors use a measurement called body mass index (BMI), using your height and your weight to determine how much body fat you have. The best way to stay at a healthy weight or to lose weight is to make good food choices. Here are some easy ways to do that every day:

• Try to eat more vegetables and fruit than any other type of food whenever possible.
• Choose low-calorie foods or smaller portions when eating out.
• Pick healthy side dishes like apple slices or apple sauce instead of Ffrench fries. If you are really craving fries, try eating something healthy like a salad, apple slices or apple sauce first, then split a small portion of fries with a few other people.
• Drink water or milk instead of soda.
• Check the label – can you recognize all of the ingredients? If not, it might have a lot of extra stuff you don’t need, so look for other options. Try nuts or whole grain crackers instead of chips.
• Try replacing sugary snacks with things like yogurt or dried fruit (without added sugar). If you have a sweet tooth, try a small portion of your favorite sweet only once a day.

It can affect:
Digestion. Stress slows the release of stomach acid and causes the colon to work faster. This can result in stomachaches or diarrhea.

Heart rate and blood vessels. Your heart rate, blood pressure and cholesterol may increase. This raises your risk for
heart attacks and strokes.

Immune system. Stress makes wounds heal slower. You’re also more likely to get colds and infections.

Weight. Stress makes you crave fats and carbohydrates. If you gain weight in your abdominal area, you’re at greater
risk for heart disease and diabetes.

Mental health. Stress makes you tense and anxious. This can lead to depression, headaches or other problems such as trouble sleeping.

Regain your balance. If stress has taken over your life, here are some ideas to regain control:

Make time for regular exercise. Check with your doctor to see what types of exercise are right for you.

• Do things you enjoy.
• Learn how to relax. 
• Treat yourself well.

If your stress is still an issue, talk with your doctor. He or she can recommend someone who can help you find other ways to manage your stress.

Find out more online at liveandworkwell.com