Terri Ramsey Beavers Our physical and mental health is so essential to our happiness and our ability to live our lives to their full potential. Regardless of our age, our health should be a priority, but this becomes even more of a pressing issue as we age. Our bodies are resilient, but they need care and maintenance to keep them working for as long as possible. Unfortunately, many people don’t give their health too much thought until there is a problem, but the truth is that prevention is far better than cure. This is even more concerning when you consider that leading a healthy lifestyle does not have to be complex or taxing, as this guide will show.
Eat a balanced diet
A nutritious and balanced diet is essential for maintaining our energy levels, strengthening our immune system, and generally keeping us healthy, and this becomes even more important as we age. Our diet should include plenty of fruit, vegetables, lean meat, dairy (low-fat), oily fish, and whole grains with minimal saturated fat and refined sugar. It’s also best to drink plenty of water which can include tea and coffee, but soft drinks loaded with sugar should be avoided when possible. Ideally, alcohol intake should not exceed the daily recommended limits, and you should try to leave 2-3 days a week alcohol-free.
Take care of your teeth
Your teeth need brushing morning and night while flossing once a day will also help to remove plaque or food from between your teeth to help prevent gum disease. Gum diseases can lead to bleeding gums as well as more serious conditions such as heart disease, strokes, and diabetes. It’s best to attend regular dental check-ups with a professional dentist such as Enhanced Dental Studios, even if you don’t feel like there are any problems. This will give you peace of mind that you are keeping your oral health in check.
Get regular health checks
It’s best to attend all of your regular health checks at the doctors to monitor your blood pressure and to check that your cholesterol levels aren’t putting you at risk of heart disease or stroke. Many health issues can be treated successfully if they are caught early enough, so keep up to date with all of your appointments. Annual hearing and eyesight tests are also important for older people to keep on top of any deterioration. You can also get your teeth troubles sorted in Flint to keep your pearly whites healthy.
Exercise every day
Exercise has so many benefits that it’s difficult to find a reason not to include it in your weekly routine. Regular exercise will aid you in weight management and lower your risk of many serious diseases such as cancer, diabetes, stroke, and heart disease. In addition, being active can also improve your mental health, help you to sleep, and boost your energy levels. It doesn’t need to be strenuous either; just 1-2 of moderate exercise, like a brisk walk and an exercise class each week with some stretches and strength exercises, will make a big difference.
Stop smoking
Finally, while it’s probably not news to you, you should stop smoking as soon as you can. Smoking is linked to a wide range of health issues which worsen our everyday quality of life, lower our energy levels, and can cause serious diseases. If you would like to quit smoking, take a look at this advice on HelpGuide.