Between hectic work schedules, nonstop family obligations, and uncertainties that appear to permeate every layer of modern life, many of us put our physical and mental well beings on the back burner in order to focus on the matters at hand. But there’s a problem with that approach. It boils down to an often-quoted phrase, “If you have good health, you have everything.”
In other words, good health is a prerequisite for everything else. If we’re not healthy, we’re not able to fulfill our responsibilities and pursue our goals.
With this in mind, let’s dive into the fundamentals of healthier living in Southern California:
See the doctor
Healthier living is relative. In other words, you need to know your current state of health in order to know what comes next. The best way to do so is by scheduling an appointment with your primary care physician. Have a physical performed (you’re entitled to one free physical exam per year.) Talk to your doctor about the best path forward based on the results of your physical. They may recommend certain medications, diets, and exercise routines. From there, put your doctor’s wisdom into practice in order to achieve better health.
See the dentist
Oral care is a critical component of overall health. Cavities and gum disease – when left untreated – quickly lead to even worse conditions. With this in mind, schedule an appointment as soon as possible. Whether it’s your family dentist in Orange or one closer to home, dentists have the knowledge and expertise to detect any potential concerns regarding your oral health. They’ll also remind you of the importance of flossing and brushing twice a day. If you follow your dentist’s advice, your oral health will greatly improve.
Limit alcohol consumption
The less alcohol you consume, the healthier you become. While the occasional drink won’t kill you, heavy drinking on a daily basis is a recipe for disaster. In addition to alcoholism, excessive liquor consumption leads to liver failure, an increased risk of heart disease, and a whole host of other unwanted conditions. With this in mind, make an effort to limit your alcohol consumption to two drinks or less a day for men and one drink or less for women.
Get quality sleep
The importance of sleep when it comes to health cannot be overstated. That’s because most people don’t appreciate the negative impact of poor sleep until it starts to interfere with their daily lives. Not only does the average adult need seven to nine hours of quality sleep each night for optimum health, but they need to abide by a consistent sleep schedule. That means going to bed at the same time each night and waking up at the same time each morning.
Increase activity
Every medical expert will tell you that exercise is essential for health and wellness. The good news is you don’t have to go from couch potato to athlete in order to reap the benefits of physical fitness. Start with walking around the neighborhood for an hour. Consider picking up the pace after a week in order to increase your heart rate. If walking and jogging aren’t your thing, consider swimming, cycling, or any of the other ways to squeeze in some exercise several times a week.
Eat better
The saying “you are what you eat” is a fair way to describe the relationship between food and health. A diet with excessive amounts of sugar, fat, and sodium will contribute to poor health, while a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean meats will do wonders for your waistline as well as your blood pressure, blood sugar levels, and mental health.
Monitor weight
You don’t need to get on the scale every day. Doing so will drive you crazy. But make a point to weigh yourself at least once a week. Track your weight in order to recognize weight gain before it gets out of hand.
Manage stress
Excessive stress – when left unaddressed – can be devastating to our health and wellness. Those who experience high levels of stress at work or home need to take steps to manage it as much as possible. If the sources of stress cannot be eliminated, the next step is to mitigate their impact through a variety of techniques, including mindfulness, meditation, and therapy.
Modern life leaves little room to care about health. But without our health, what are we? What’s the point of caring so much about life if we’re too sick and unwell to enjoy it?
With this in mind, make a point to live healthier with the help of the suggestions mentioned above.
Julie Steinbeck is a freelance writer from Florida. She enjoys writing about business, finance, health, and travel.
