Betty Moorehead Former Records Management Specialist, Facilities Dept.

Living A Smarter, Healthier Life:
Tips from Kellogg Retiree Betty Moorehead

Betty Moorehead is a determined woman.

Her mother passed away at a young age—only 52—leading Betty to learn all she could about her family history, one she found marked by high blood pressure and heart problems. In an effort to overcome this history, Betty decided in her early 30s to lead a healthier lifestyle. She started to eat better. She took up exercising. Before long, Betty was living healthier than ever.

But she didn't stop there. Naturally curious, Betty wanted to learn more. She dug deeper, looking for the best way to improve her quality of life. Now 60, and enjoying her retirement, Betty has learned a few tips over the years about living smarter and healthier:

• Know your family history. One of the best ways to live smarter is if you know about the medical conditions that affect your family. If you don't know, check with family members and then get in touch with your doctor.
• Manage your ailments wisely. Betty researched her asthma and sinus problems, discovering the difference it made in her health just by taking all of the proper medications.
• Know your medicines. Betty's research taught her the importance of taking the right medications in the right amounts. Ask yourself, "Is this really necessary?" and check with your doctor. Over-medicating can cost you your health and your money.
• Make your diet a healthy one. You've heard it before, but if you eat well, you'll feel well, too.
• Watch your weight and exercise. In addition to benefiting your health, you could reduce the need for surgeries and spare yourself the problems associated with an unhealthy lifestyle.
• Don't pay more than you have to. Research your medical costs. Betty did some checking around and discovered that her dentist was charging above what her Kellogg plan allowed. She took matters into her own hands and found a dentist she liked better…AND who didn't overcharge her.
• Take advantage of everything that's available to you, whether it's your local gym or YMCA—or the various health resources that Kellogg provides.
• Manage your stress. It can affect your health. So take a look at what causes YOU stress and work to reduce it. If you get stressed, talk it out, take a walk, get a massage--whatever works for you.
• Stay current on the information you need to live healthy. There's always something new out there. So read an article, go online, ask your doctor. Learning more can only help you.

In retirement, Betty Moorehead is more active than ever. She works part-time, splitting her time among five jobs. In addition to staying active in her community, she also manages her own business and is the creator of "Betty's Brittle," a peanut brittle she's made for the last 35 years.