Many factors play into staying healthy. Certain factors, such as genetic diseases and unavoidable accidents, are not in your control. However, you may take a number of proactive measures to stay as healthy as you can. These measures are neither expensive nor unpleasant. For more information about healthy living, consult a qualified healthcare professional.
Eat More Fruits and Vegetables
When Mom put an apple in your lunchbox instead of a candy bar and told you to eat all your vegetables, she was onto something. Eating plenty of vegetables and fruits can protect against stroke and coronary heart disease; it may lower blood pressure; it will benefit your gastrointestinal system; and your vision will be protected. Most people currently eat only a fraction of the recommended five to 13 servings of fruits and vegetables a day, according to the Harvard School of Public Health. Up your vegetable and fruit intake by exploring the produce aisle and trying something new, browsing for new fruit and vegetable recipes on the Internet and keeping your refrigerator stocked with cut raw vegetables for snacking.
Avoid Obesity
Eating the right quantity of food is as important as the quality. Obesity, caused by an imbalance of food intake and energy expenditure, increases your risk for heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, gallstones, osteoarthritis and even certain cancers. For a healthy weight loss of 1 to 2 lbs. a week, reduce your calorie intake by 500 to 1000 calories per day.
Consume Alcohol in Moderation
Moderate alcohol consumption may help you stay healthy. Alcohol is associated with both serious health risks and, surprisingly, considerable potential benefits. Certain people, especially those with a prior history of alcohol abuse or liver disease, should avoid alcohol altogether, and alcohol and driving are clearly a dangerous combination under any circumstances. However, for most healthy adults, moderate drinking can lower the risk of cardiovascular disease by 25 to 40 percent, according to the Harvard School of Public Health. This is significant given that cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. Ask your physician whether alcohol is helpful or harmful for you in light of your own personal health history.
Reduce Your Stress Levels
When faced with a threat, the body responds with a number of physiological responses, including the release of powerful biochemical substances. These responses to stress can boost your ability to fight an attacker or flee the scene, but they are less useful in the modern world. In fact, they can be dangerous. Repeated stress reactions can lead to heart disease, mental health disorders, strokes and kidney disease, according to The American Institute of Stress. Reduce your stress by maintaining a good social support system, enjoying hobbies and other pleasurable activities, avoiding large quantities of caffeine and taking time out for relaxation and laughter.
References
- Harvard School of Public Health: Alcohol: Balancing Risks and Benefits
- National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute: How Are Overweight and Obesity Treated?
- National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute: What Are the Health Risks of Overweight and Obesity?
- Harvard School of Public Health: Vegetables and Fruits: Get Plenty Every Day
- The American Institute of Stress: Stress Reduction, Stress Relievers
