As they say “Health is Wealth”. Good health adds both quality and happiness to our lives which then naturally leads to a longer life. The food we eat, the physical activity that we engage in the quality and quantity of our sleep and how we deal with stress are the three crucial personal choices that will lead to our overall well being. This blog entry discusses each of these choices but future entries will discuss them in greater detail.
My extensive studies and research and my own clinical experience of over six decades across different cultures lead me to recommend three very important bits of good health behaviour. Those who are eager to become healthy and stay fit forever will benefit if and when they follow these.
Food is Life: Food is Medicine
The quality of fuel we pump into the gas tanks of our motor vehicles determines how far and how well we will travel. Our life is also a journey that is fueled by food. So here is the rule: our food must include all the ingredients in sufficient qualities and quantities. This means that our diet must include whole grains, green leafy and other vegetables, nuts, seeds and fruits, fish, poultry and berries. We need to learn to eliminate common foods that cause inflammation or induce allergies. Replace them with food that will eventually produce healthy proteins. Eat to live and not live to eat. This is one crucial choice for all. Remember, the only way to eat well is to make smart choices
Exercise: A Cure For Many Maladies
Contemporary scientific research proves ancient beliefs that exercise can cure many maladies. Unfortunately, our way of life has changed and exercise is not given priority. We have become more sedentary or physically inactive. Exercise works wonders with both our body and mind. Aerobic, strengthening and flexibility are three key areas of physical activity that must be considered for a balanced regimen.
Sleep Health / Stress Reduction
Human body works continuously. This nonstop work demands clean up, repair, and sometimes replacement. Only sleep can satisfy this critical need. On an average everyone needs 6-8 hours of quality sleep to unwind, relax, get rid of waste, to reduce stress, and to reenergize. In America, sleep deprivation has emerged as a national public health epidemic. If not remedied without delay, it will take a heavy toll on our lives.
Let us also admit that stress is now part and parcel of our lives. Stress is a real trouble maker; it suppresses your immune system by adversely affecting your cells. It causes heart attacks, strokes, insomnia and even accidents. Stress can make you lose your concentration. Links between chronic stress and poor health are incredibly strong; sixty percent of all illnesses are caused by stress. Learning to manage time to relax and recharge is an important health concept.
When healthy living becomes a long commitment, then we will be successful in our pursuit for a healthy life. Indeed this is very encouraging. It gives us hope that our efforts will succeed. In my upcoming postings, let us explore all these possibilities and the ways to acquire all the three bits of good health behavior. Information gives you knowledge; practice will transform you.
India International Health Foundation 