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You could have all the money in the world but, as they say, health is wealth. Ill health can hang over you like a dark cloud, dimming the light shining on everything beneath it. However, with some care and caution, protecting and supporting your mind and body is possible. Here are the fundamentals to help you do just that.
Eat healthy and stay hydrated
The foods you eat are a core component of your general wellbeing. Eating healthy isn’t always about reducing calories and cutting out junk food, it’s about eating the right amounts of the right foods consistently to give your body what it needs to thrive.
Your daily diet should include a wide range of foods including a good number of fruits and vegetables, high-fibre starchy foods, dairy products (or dairy alternatives), proteins and small amounts of unsaturated fat. You should also drink plenty of water – at least 6 to 8 glasses a day.
Minimise the amount of processed food you eat because these often contain high levels of saturated fat, salt and sugar. But don’t be afraid to treat yourself every now and again – it’s all about balance!
Exercise regularly
Staying active is an incredibly powerful thing for the mind and body. Heaps of scientific research suggest that being physically active can help you live a happier, healthier life for longer.
Exercise becomes even more important as you get older to help mitigate the risks of conditions such as coronary heart disease, diabetes and cancer. It can also have benefits for your mental health – reducing your risk of depression and feelings of anxiety. Boosted self-esteem, improved mood, better sleep – the list goes on.
Aim to get your heart pumping faster than normal for at least 150 minutes every week. This can be done with activities like swimming, badminton, spin classes or just going to the gym. Even a brisk walk can count towards your exercise targets.
Get regular health checkups and screenings
The aim of all this is to protect your health and wellbeing, but you can’t guarantee anything. As such, regular checkups can help spot warning signs before they become more serious.Finding things early often increases the likelihood of successful treatment.
You can go to your GP, local pharmacy or private facilities for many tests including blood pressure monitoring, cholesterol checks and cancer screenings. The free NHS Health Check is available for people over the age of 40.
Tests and checkups can also come in the form of little packages to your home. If you’re entering a new relationship or just want some peace of mind about your sexual health, home STI test kits are quick and discreet. Get the answers you’re looking for without having to leave your home.
Limit alcohol and tobacco
While you need to put the right things in your body, it’s just as important to keep the wrong things out. Alcohol and tobacco contribute significantly to poor health and wellbeing across the UK.
These substances can seem like easy relief from internal pain and suffering, or just strong habits that are hard to break – but doing so will help you live a healthier life as you get older. If you don’t want to cut them out, consider limiting how much and how often.
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