How to Live a Healthier Life and Fall Sick Less Often
In this bustling and busy world we live in, we unconsciously neglect our health in the name of having so much to do, or simply not caring for ourselves.
We all want to make money and build better lives for ourselves and our loved ones and forget that we need to be alive and well to actually enjoy these things. People suddenly drop dead, due to undiagnosed illnesses and poor health habits. Only a very few people are actually health conscious, and the few that are get 'busy' and don't practice what they know.
In coperate organisations and settings, the demise of a co-worker or even a top staff would not stop work from progressing. I once heard of a company where a staff died and a general mail was sent to the staff, asking them to observe a minute's silence while continuing their work. That's alarming, but thinking about it, what could they have done? Take the day off?
No one is indispensable. You may be a valued employee, or even super boss or manager, but work would go on in your absence. A vacancy would be put out, or an existing staff would take the position you held so dearly while forgetting that you were human.
I'm here to remind you of a few basic things you can do to be at optimum health from within and without:
1. Eat right and wide
This comes down to same old eating of all classes of food like we were taught when we were younger. I once heard someone say "eat the rainbow", meaning you should try to eat a variety of foods. Not just carbohydrates which is a greater percentage of our foods in this part of the world. Try to be diverse with diet choices.
2. Practice hygiene
Those germs we were taught about in elementary school still exist. They are very much around and cause illnesses, invisible as they are. One can get rid of illness causing germs by washing cookware and utensils properly. Your hands should also be washed before cooking. Also remember to change kitchen napkins regularly, as drying your hands with a dirty napkin is counterproductive. Try to eat out less, and cook your meals most of the time.
3. Drink clean water regularly
Water helps lubricate the internal organs and keep the body hydrated. It also aids digestion and keeps the body going, as about 70% of the body is made up of water. Experts suggest drinking 6 to 8 glasses of water daily, but this varies and is dependent on some factors like gender, activity level, body type and others. The bottom-line is not to wait till you're thirsty before filling up on fluids. Your body would thank you.
4. Minimize stress and take that break
Research shows that 51% of adults worldwide don't get enough sleep. We all are involved in day to day activities, projects and engagements that wear us out physically and mentally, and sleep is the body's way of repairing the body and replenishing the muscles and cells. You may not be able to get the required number of hours of sleep daily, but you could try to get quality sleep at least twice a week. It helps you function better and better ready to take on the day and reduces emotional outbursts. Sleep deprivation is a thing and it tells on the body, as it weakens the immune system and makes one susceptible to illnesses. So please, get those hours in, and go on that long overdue leave or vacation.
5. Supplement your diet
In the era of processed and synthetic foods, our meals may be lacking in some essential vitamins and minerals. Some particular age groups also need to take vitamins. Growing kids may need vitamins containing DHA and omega-3 for brain development and important body functions. These supplements come in compositions suited for particular age groups and needs as the case may be. Toddlers, adolescents, young adults, adults and geriatrics have different nutritional needs at these stages and there are great ones you could get on medical advice at your local pharmacy. They help a lot.
6. Take that trip to the hospital
Go while you're still fine and have the consciousness to, or you'll go when you're not. What I'm saying is to go for routine check ups at the hospital. Majority of us are not even registered at a hospital. Begin considering it, as industrial machines have maintenance officers that are there to detect faults early and fix them. In this part of the world, while our healthcare system is not at its best, a lot of people also don't prioritise their health or think a medical check up is necessary. This has led to a lot of avoidable deaths and complications. There are fairly priced health plans and telemedicine platforms that can help.
On a final note, study your body! The body system speaks. Don’t wait till you break down. Study yourself, so you know when something is wrong. Then take the necessary steps.
To better health. Cheers.
