Get healthy and stay that way, forever!
Healthy living requires effort and there is no short cut to this no matter what anyone tells you. It is relatively easy to lose track of leading a healthy life. With or without the COVID-19 pandemic, staying healthy should always be your main priority.
Time to do your health right
Here are the best tips to bring with you this year (and to the next)
- A healthy diet plan – You do not need the experts for this. Make sure your diet has a combination of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and nuts. You should have at least 400g of fruits and vegetables daily but nothing should stop you from taking more. This avoids malnutrition and NCDs (noncommunicable diseases).
- Reduce antibiotics – There is a reason why doctors are not prescribing antibiotics so much these days. The more antibiotics you take, the lesser your body becomes immune to the bacterial attacks.
- Promote blood circulation – Exercise often and ensure you carry out enough physical activity. If you are between 18 and 64 years old, you should have about 150 minutes of exercise each week.
- Get yourself checked – Blood pressure can be checked at home with your own devices. This can help avoid hypertension. But you should see your medical doctor to get tested for diseases such as hepatitis, STDs, TB and such. If needed, you should get vaccinated for common diseases like hepatitis B, influenza, etc. Go for regular check-ups if possible.
- Self-hygiene – Wash your hands regularly. Cover your mouth when you sneeze or cough. Use a face mask when necessary. There is nothing embarrassing about being cautious about your health.
- Get rid of insects – Mosquitos and flies should have no place in the home. Make sure you have insect repellants so that they stay away. Mosquito bites can be deadly. Flies that land on your food can cause food poisoning.
- Drive responsibly – If you drink, don’t drive. When you drive, be careful and follow the traffic laws. Don’t text while driving.
- Breastfeed babies – The WHO recommends breastfeeding from the first hour after the baby is born and for the next 2 years. It’s good for the baby and the mother.
- Be careful of mental illness – Depression and trauma are common but they seldom have symptoms. If you feel depressed or sad, find someone to talk to. This disease is affecting more than 250 million people around the world
- Avoid risks of STDs – Practice safe sex to prevent HIV or other STDs like gonorrhea or herpes.
- Filter your water – Whatever it takes, ensure the water you use is clean and well-cooked. Hydrogen water has its benefits. Use them to your advantage.
- Food preparation – Always ensure your food is kept clean, separated between the cooked and raw, keep at a safe temperature and safe water and ingredients.
- Fats – You should not take more than 30% of fats in your energy consumption every day. Fats increase weight and your NCD risk. This is referring to trans and saturated fats.
- Cut the white powders – Yes that is right! If possible reduce salt and sugar. That means lesser soy sauce and this goes for the other white powder too (MSGs).
- The common sins – Alcohol and cigarettes. When it comes to alcohol, there is no such thing as a safe level. Cigarettes contribute to lung and heart diseases. Period!