Heard this interesting Arabian proverb? “He who has health has hope. And he who has hope has everything.” It seems to come across as a profound statement but the truth remains that it is just what the proverb says it is. No one, absolutely no one can refute the fact.
So what should we be doing? Get hope back into our lives! It will give us a cheerful disposition and when the word spreads, of course, the world will be a healthier and better place to bring forth newer generations.
It takes twenty-one days to form a habit. And habits can be bad and good. Now that we have chosen the path to make the world a better place the thoughts should dwell on developing good health improving habits. Make it a daily practice and three weeks from reading this column we are sure there will be healthful look on your face as also a big smile.
Habit 1: Move more
Make it a daily challenge to find ways to move your body. Climb stairs if given a choice between that and escalators or elevators. Walk your dog or chase the kids around the block! Toss balls with friends. Mow the lawn. Anything that moves your limbs is not only a fitness tool, it is a stress buster too. Think move in small increments of time. It does not have to be an hour in the gym or a forty five-minute aerobic dance class or tai chi or kickboxing. But that’s great when you’re up to it. Meanwhile, move more. Stand when you can sit, walk when you can stand…
Habit 2: Cut fat
Avoid the obvious such as fried foods, burgers and all fatty meats. There is always some good fish to choose from. Dairy products such as cheese, cottage cheese, milk and cream should be eaten in low fat versions. Nuts, mayonnaise, margarine, butter and sauces should be eaten in limited amounts. Most are available in lower fat versions such as substitute butter, fat free cheeses and mayonnaise. Become a lean, mean, fat burning machine!
Habit 3: Reduce stress Easier said than done, stress busters come in many forms. Some techniques recommended by experts are to think positive thoughts. Spend 30 minutes a day doing something you like i.e. soak in a hot tub; walk on the beach or in a park; read a good book; visit a friend; play with your dog; listen to soothing music; watch a funny movie. Get a massage, a facial or a haircut. Meditate. Count to ten before losing your temper or getting aggravated. Avoid difficult people when possible. When you see red, think rosy pink…I know it is difficult to do but not impossible. Try it today.
Habit 4: Protect yourself from pollution
As we seem to live and grow up in concrete jungles, the smog and smoke is a part of life. As a result the pollutants become a part of every cell in our bodies. We feel the pressure in our eyes, nose, mouth and throat. Shrubs and trees are a good way to fight pollution but it would need more than one person to grow greenery all around. If you cannot live in a smog-free environment, at least avoid smoke-filled rooms, high traffic areas, breathing in highway fumes and exercising near busy thoroughfares. Exercise outside when the smog rating is low. Exercise indoors in air conditioning when air quality is good.
Habit 5: Wear your seat belt
It is actually a very simple way to save a life. Your life. It is foolish to drive without the safety belt. Think about it. Why do airplanes have seat belts? We could sit just like that, right? If we can accept that one has to buckle up to travel by air, we should also buckle up when going to a destination by road. It really makes a lot of sense. Statistics show that seat belts add to longevity and help alleviate potential injuries in car crashes.
Habit 6: Dental care
It is amazing but true. Recent studies make a direct connection between longevity and teeth cleaning: as in brushing twice and flossing every day. There seems to be some connection between oral hygiene and total good health. It is better to be health conscious than not and people who do brush twice a day seem to be on the right path to wellness.
Habit 7: Smoke not, drink not
These are just fashion statements and best left for those who do not believe in longevity or even having a healthy old age. These vices cause an immense number of problems in the body. As it is disease can strike anyone so why invite trouble unnecessarily. While recent studies show a glass of wine or one drink a day (two for men) can help protect against heart disease, more than that can cause other health problems such as liver and kidney disease and cancer.
