As we find ourselves in the midst of a global health crisis, now more than ever it is important to stay as healthy as possible and keep our immune system strong. Adopt some of the healthy lifestyle habits below to help reach this goal.
1. Book an annual check-up
Staying indoors and cooped up means that your last annual check-up may have been a long time ago. Annual check-ups are a great opportunity for your doctor to check your heart, lungs and blood pressure. You can also discuss any new medical problems or concerns that may have come up.
2. Focus on good, healthy eating
They say that food is medicine and used correctly it certainly can be. When it comes to diet, consider following some of the principles of the Mediterranean diet – a diet that has been associated with a lower risk of heart disease, obesity and type 2 diabetes.
- Eat more fruits and vegetables. Aim for 7 to 10 servings a day of fruit and vegetables.
- Opt for whole grains. Switch to whole-grain bread, cereal and pasta.
- Use healthy fats. Try olive oil as a replacement for butter when cooking.
- Eat more seafood. Aim for twice a week. Tuna, salmon, trout, mackerel and herring are healthy choices.
- Reduce red meat intake. Substitute fish, poultry or beans for meat.
3. Move more and sit less
Physical activity is anything that gets your body moving. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends 30 minutes of physical activity a day, 5 days a week. While this is not always feasible, any exercise is good. Go for a walk around the block, take up yoga or find another activity that gets you off the couch.
4. Drink more water
It might sound simple but drinking water is an effective and under-rated tip to boost your health. Amongst other benefits, water can help regulate body temperature. It also lubricates and cushions the joints and helps the body to get rid of waste products faster.
- Carry around a water bottle for easy access.
- Make a point of drinking water with meals instead of fizzy drinks or juice.
- Choose water when eating out. Generally, you will save money and reduce calories.
5. Vitamins and minerals can help
For the times when you’re not able to eat a fully balanced diet, vitamins and minerals can be a lifesaver. The exact vitamins or supplements you may need will depend on your age and what your usual diet looks like.
- For elderly/ seniors – Calcium, Vitamin D
- Vegetarians or vegans – Vitamin B12
Do not take new vitamins or minerals without first discussing it with your doctor.
Lastly, sleep well. Carry out activities that help you de-stress and if sick, seek medical help right away. Good health is not a single thing that we do but a series of steps that we repeat on a daily basis. Adopting some of these healthy habits will go a long way towards increasing your health and keeping your immune system strong.
Emergency in Houston?
Life Savers 24 Hour Emergency Room is equipped to handle life threatening conditions quickly. Your emergency or concern is our priority! Life Savers 24 Hour Emergency Room is your Houston ER for immediate definite care. Do not hesitate to call us today or stop by one of our houston emergency room locations: Willowbrook ER, Heights ER, or Summerwood ER.
