What can I do to get healthier?
With so much information on how to get healthy out there it becomes a bit of a maze as to what to do.
If you like coffee then it’s OK to drink a coffee or two provided you don’t have certain illnesses because studies show it lowers the risk of type two diabetes, can protect your liver, hinder Parkinson’s disease and gallstones. This is because of antioxidants but you need to remember that it does use up calcium in your body so don’t drink too much.
Hygiene is also very important so don’t forget to brush your teeth regularly because poorly kept teeth increase the risk of heart attack. We aren’t sure why statistics show this but they do. It is believed that bacteria from the mouth could enter the bloodstream through inflamed gums and cause small blood clots that contribute to clogged arteries. Another theory says that gum diseases cause inflammation that lead to fatty deposits in the heart.
Another bad habit to avoid is keeping pills in the bathroom – the humidity will affect them. Keep them in a cool, dry spot out of direct sunlight because the sun will also damage them. If the capsules are flaking throw them out. They are damaged.
Also remember to open the window because inside air can be toxic. Household products, building materials, furniture polish, air fresheners etc all add to the toxins indoors. Open the windows and doors to clear this out. Plants will also help and if you buy a TV, computer or new furniture let it air before you put it up as the new products contain toxins.
Regarding germs although it may cost a bit more remember to occasionally use hot water to do the washing. Did you know that cold water does not kill germs? This means that they can spread from one set of clothes to another, onto your hands and into your mouth. So after hanging your cold water washing up go and wash your hands! Also where was that hand bag last before you put it on the dinner table – was it on the toilet floor at the movies?
De-stress by taking time out for yoga or meditation. This will improve blood circulation and help you de-stress. Practice deep breathing for 5 minutes while on the train on the way to work. It will reduce tension, lower your blood pressure and heart beat and increase oxygen levels. Sit in a comfy chair, feet flat on the floor. Close your eyes and take five seconds to inhale through your nose, hold for five seconds, and then breathe out through your mouth. Do this 10 to 20 times.
Regarding our rushing to work before the sun is properly up in winter and coming home in the dark remember to soak up a little sun. Many of us are suffering from a Vitamin D deficiency and don’t even know it. Remember the warnings though about too much sun. However we have overdone it a bit and some sunlight is essential to keep serious illnesses away such as diabetes, heart disease and MS. If you always wear sunscreen and don’t go in the sun you risk that Vitamin D deficiency. You only need a few minutes a day to produce enough Vitamin D and it needs to be towards the middle of the day.
Also remember those important medical tests even if you do look after your Health. Get a check-up when you need it especially if there are incidences of cancer in your family in any form. Men should also remember to check their prostrate after 50. Women need to remember the regular pap tests every two years and to get two tests done. The second is a computer test and more precise. Also bowel screening and mammograms over 50 or if there is colon cancer in the family.
If you don’t have time to exercise then remember to walk quickly. Research shows that if you walk slowly you slow down even more when you get old. However it is better to exercise daily for half an hour. If you have no time during the week then do an hour each day on the weekend. That’s at least two days a week out of the seven.
Once you have incorporated these simple tips into your lifestyle and you start to feel better you might want to look at putting a few more in. You can always get great tips right here on the Wellbeing blog from myself or other bloggers and if you add them just one or two at a time they don’t become too overwhelming. Remember, getting healthy and staying healthy is not just a fad. It needs to be something that is part of your lifestyle.
