World Health Day is celebrated each year to draw attention to a particular health topic of concern to people around the world. It is celebrated to commemorate the founding of the World Health Organization (WHO) on April 7, 1948. This year, marking the 75th anniversary of the WHO, it is celebrated with the theme “Health for All”.
While many people tend to believe that health should only be considered in cases of extreme diagnoses, health experts emphasize that it is crucial to pay attention to daily habits that can ruin your long-term health. “Several daily habits can harm your health. It is important to adopt healthy habits to maintain good health and prevent chronic diseases,” said Dr Vijay Kumar Gurjar, senior consultant and head of the department of geriatric medicine, Primus Super Specialty Hospital.
So, what are these habits? Dr Prashant Bhatt, Senior Consultant, Internal Medicine, Manipal Hospital, Patiala, shared a few.
Sedentary lifestyle: Due to today’s fast lifestyle and always busy mindset, people have started leading a sedentary lifestyle. People who have a busy work ethic find themselves sitting in the same position for hours on end. On the other hand, when people have free time, they end up spending it scrolling on their cell phones. Inactivity is the root cause of many diseases, including obesity, heart disease, mental illness, and more.
Smoking or drinking: Once you start smoking or drinking alcohol, it can easily become a daily habit due to addiction and social approval. Smoking is the leading cause of heart disease and can cause strokes, cancer, COPD and other diseases. Likewise, alcohol has harmful effects on the body by risking the development of cancer and liver problems.
Neglect of nutrition and hydration: Another bad habit people have is not caring enough about the food they eat and not drinking enough. adequate amount of water.
Lack of sleep: Sleep is essential for the proper functioning of the body and recovery from fatigue. Not getting enough sleep each day will lead to poor concentration, irritated mood, and an increased risk of serious heart disease, stroke, obesity, and depression.
Apart from this, experts have also urged all to avoid snacking when I’m not hungry. “You need to stop mindless eating immediately if you want to get back in shape. Apart from this, binge eating is also a strict no-no as it can lead to a host of health problems such as obesity, acidity, and inflammation in the body. It’s not a good idea to skip your exercise routine. This can lead to muscle pain, stress and weight gainsaid Dr Sunita Dube, radiologist and founder of the MedscapeIndia-FitIndia movement.
So, what habits should you adopt instead? Dr Manish Maheshwari, Consultant, General Medicine, Narayana Multispecialty Hospital, Ahmedabad listed a few.
Regular physical activity: Engage regularly physical activity can help you maintain a healthy weight, reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, and improve your mental health.
Get enough sleep: Try to get 7 to 8 hours of sleep each night to improve your overall health and well-being.
Have a healthy diet : Adopt a diet rich in whole foods such as fruits, vegetableslean proteins and whole grains to provide your body with essential nutrients and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
Meditation and relaxation techniques: Practicing mindfulness exercises, meditation, or deep breathing can help reduce stress and improve mental health.
Hydration: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your body hydrated and functioning properly.
Maintain good posture: Sitting and standing up straight can improve your posture and prevent back pain.
Practice good hygiene: Washing your hands regularly, brushing your teeth twice a day, and taking regular showers can help prevent the spread of disease and keep you feeling clean and healthy.
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First published on: 07/04/2023 at 7:00 p.m. IST
