Of all the forms of wealth existing in the world today, the most precious of them all is health. Riches, fame and power have no significance for the sick person. On the other hand, with good health one can be able to enjoy life as it is. The importance of good health can never be stressed enough. For that reason, everyone should be reminded from time to time on how to stay healthy. There are certain habits and specific lifestyles that help keep illness at bay. Taking care of oneself can also help alleviate the burden of a chronic disease that one already has.
Health and Fitness tips
- Healthy eating
Food is to man what soil is to plants. We need food to exist and more critically, the right food to stay healthy. Too much food or the wrong type of food can lead one down the unpleasant path of growing obese and falling sick. Being overweight and obese interferes with normal physiological functions of the body. Consequently such a person develops difficulty in breathing, easy fatigability and becomes unproductive. There is increased risk of developing lifestyle diseases like diabetes, hypertension and cardiac failure. Eating a balanced diet with minimal junk food is vital in promoting good health.
- Adequate hydration
As opposed to food where one is advised not to eat too much, water should be taken without limit. Hydrate as much as you can and watch your body spring to life literally! The recommended amount is between six to eight glasses of water a day. One can take more depending on their liking. Water nourishes body cells, flushes out toxins and delays aging.
- Regular exercises
The third most important aspect of good health is exercise. It helps the body to keep fit by boosting blood circulation and burning excess calories. An everyday morning walk, evening jog, a stroll in the afternoon or sit-ups and press-ups at home would suffice.
- Zero tobacco and alcohol
It is always the little foxes that destroy the vineyard, so the old adage goes. Likewise, small seemingly harmless habits like a little smoking and a little alcohol can destroy health. To reduce the risk of pulmonary and cardiovascular diseases, liver problems and occurrence of other alcohol-related disorders, kick away the bad habits.
- Proper hygiene
Bacteria, viruses and other disease causing microorganisms are not particularly fond of clean environments. Cleanliness is an important factor in disease prevention. It is in the simple things such as washing of hands, personal hygiene and living in a clean environment. It is a sure way of staying healthy by keeping the bugs at bay.
- Taking time to rest/sleep
Just like machines, the human body wears and tears. For this simple reason everybody needs to find time in their busy schedules and rest a while. A fifteen minute power nap or just closing the eyes in a quiet place for ten minutes is enough. Moreover a good night’s sleep is essential for a healthy body and mind. Six to eight hours of sleep everyday is recommended.
- Creating time for leisure
Sports and other forms of recreation are necessary for a fit and healthy you. Such activities help kill tension in the body and mind. It allows one to unwind and also reduce the stress levels in their lives. Taking time to participate in relaxing activities of one’s preference is an integral part of a healthy lifestyle.
- Regular visits to the doctor
Once in a while routine check-ups from a specialist doctor are beneficial. Visiting the dentist every six months or an annual appointment with the eye specialist is encouraged. This is more necessary for aging people who require frequent screening to rule out age related health disorders. Other necessary tests include regular pap smears for women and screening for prostate cancer in men.
- Taking vitamins and supplements
A good number of supplements available in the market are genuine and very beneficial to the body. They contain vitamins, essential fatty acids and oils like omega 3 and micronutrients like calcium and iron. When taken appropriately, these components help build a strong and healthy body system.
- Laughter the best medicine
It is recognized from ancient times that laughter is medicine for the soul. It helps to keep depression away and exercises the facial muscles. Learning to spend time in activities and with people that encourage laughter indeed promotes good health.