climb the corporate ladder, 23-26. Many people
who want to become corporate vice presidents
and presidents take special courses on etiquette.
A complicating factor is that each culture has
its own rules of etiquette. For example, the rules
of greeting for a business meeting in Japan are
different from those in America. If you are work-
ing with Japanese business people or are doing
business in Japan, you must know the Japanese
rules of business etiquette.
Health
Good health is the foundation for everything
you do in life. Your health should never be forgot-
ten when you are trying to achieve career success.
It is difficult to concentrate or do a good job when
you are not feeling your best. In order to stay
healthy, get adequate sleep, get plenty of physical
activity, eat a balanced diet, avoid health risks,
and maintain mental health, 23-27.
Get Adequate Sleep
It is very difficult to work if you are tired.
Well-rested people also have fewer accidents.
Most people need between 7.5 and 10 hours of
sleep each night. A regular schedule of going to
bed and getting up at the same time will help
you feel your best.
Get Plenty of Physical Activity
Regular physical activity keeps your body
in good condition. Physical activity can reduce
stress, increase stamina, and help you stay
physically fit. For example, doing a moderate
activity 30 minutes every other day can greatly
improve physical condition. Participating in a
sport or fitness classes can make physical activ-
ity more fun.
Eat a Balanced Diet
You are what you eat. If you eat a diet heavy
in fats and sugars, your body is likely to become
heavy and sluggish. The U.S. Departments of
Agriculture and Health and Human Services
developed guidelines for healthy eating. These
guidelines are MyPyramid and the Dietary
Guidelines for Americans. See Figures 5-8
and 5-9 in Chapter 5. For good health, you
should also follow these guidelines.
The main key to a healthful diet is to eat a
variety of foods. It is also helpful to eat regular
meals. A good breakfast provides the body with
fuel to begin the day. Other meals and healthful
snacks help to maintain your energy level while
you work.
Drinking eight or more glasses of water a
day is also a good idea. Many hospitality jobs
require a great deal of running around and
physical activity. It is important to drink
enough water during the day.
Avoid Health Risks
The main risks to health in America are
tobacco use, drug abuse, and overweight.
Tobacco is a legal drug. However, many scien-
tific studies have shown that smoking, chewing,
and inhaling tobacco can cause serious health
542
Part 5 Careers
23-25 A good handshake is an important part of
business etiquette.