It is difficult
for many of us to make our health a priority. How can we go for a walk after
work when someone needs to make dinner?
How easy is it to
prepare the foods we need when our mates or families eat differently?
But physicians
note that living a healthy life that is free of diseases should top the list of
anything we aim to achieve in the coming year. They advise that as we compile
our 2016 resolutions; we need to consider how we can make our health and that
of our family members a priority.
Family physician,
Dr. Segun Agbaje, notes that though health-related lifestyle changes will and
should be unique and based on individual needs, there are some universal health
resolutions that one must make in the New Year to reduce the risk for diseases
such as cancer, diabetes and other ailments killing thousands every day.
Agbaje says the
first health goal to achieve this year is for one to undergo a thorough medical
check-up.
Another family
physician, Dr. Femi Omolola, states that going to the doctor can be a helpful
way to determine one’s health condition. The move can also help one to make the
necessary changes “before small problems become bigger issues.”
Omolola says you must
have “a sickness and in health relationship” with your doctor by going for
regular medical check-ups, even when you are well.
The expert states
that regular medical check-ups can help to detect and prevent terminal
illnesses such as diabetes, cancer, osteoporosis and heart diseases, which kill
millions of people in their prime.
Omolola states,
“It is painful when I see cases that could have been tackled if only the
patient had come for screening or check-up, may be earlier.
“For instance, in
breast cancer, early removal of the lumps will reduce the chances of one
developing breast cancer later in life by 90 per cent. But if one does not come
for screening or undergo medical examinations, it will be difficult to know
when a malignant tumour growing inside of one?”
“Look at cervical
cancer that is killing women daily; it is curable when it is detected early.
But if the woman does not go for pap smear, how will the doctor detect it
early? We must therefore develop a relationship with our doctors and do not have
to wait till we become sick before go for screening.
“Women,
especially, need to have regular health checks. They need to see their doctors
for regular medical check-ups to help them to stay healthy and to pick up early
warning signs of diseases or illnesses.
“Many diseases
such as cardiovascular (heart) disease, diabetes and some cancers can be picked
up in their early stages; and it is at this early stage that treatment is
effective.”
Although there is
no exemption for any gender or age group from this advice, individuals above
the age of 40 must ensure that they undergo thorough medical check-ups, at
least, each year for breast, cervical, prostate cancer, diabetes and
hypertension.
Eat more
balanced diets
The
Vice-President, Commonwealth Medical Association, Dr. Osahon Enabulele, says
there is need for more people to insist on eating balanced diets in the coming
year.
Enabulele, who
links many diseases to poor dieting, advises Nigerians to adopt a preventive
strategy against those ailments by eating healthy.
“We should start
eating more of our diets. Those nutritious foods we used to eat that we do not
eat anymore should return to our tables.
We should ditch
all these foreign diets and processed foods, they are not healthy,” he states.
Experts also note
that even if you do not have any weight loss or health-related New Year’s
resolutions, tracking what you eat can go a long way in helping to create a
better you.
By understanding
exactly what you are eating and when, you can consciously choose to eat more
fruits and vegetables and a fewer processed foods. You can as well tweak your
diet and ensure that you are on the right track to a healthy eating plan.
Tracking your intake, can also help you identify when you tend to snack and
help you to create a healthy snacking plan that will contribute to your good
health.
So whether you
have set an official resolution or you are looking for a few simple healthy
living tips to use next year, we have got you covered. Here are simple
guidelines and tips you can use to start building better healthy living habits
in 2016
Try to
unplug daily
Nowadays,
televisions, computers, telephones and other modern electronics surround our
lives. Unfortunately, staying plugged into electronics can have negative
effects on our health. In fact, media overload has been tied to depression,
anxiety, sleep problems and other health issues. Fortunately, there is an easy
way to combat any potential health issues associated with your electronics:
just unplug! Taking breaks – whether an hour, 10 hours or even an entire day –
from your electronics and screens will help to give your body and mind time to
recharge. Even just turning your electronics and screens off for an hour before
going for a sleep will help to boost your health and energy, since exposure to
screen lights contributes to sleep deprivation.
Good health does
not just happen. It is important to set goals that will help your health and
work towards them. Do not achieve your career goals and leave that of your
health.
Source: punchng
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