Are you ready to experience a healthier state of being? While there’s no magic bullet to prevent unwellness, there are things you can do to reduce the odds of sickness or disease. And if you can lessen the chances of a life-altering diagnosis, then it’s worth finding out how to do so.
Almost 40% of men and women will face a cancer diagnosis at some point in their lives. Some cancers are more common than others, like breast or prostate cancer, while others are rare, like mesothelioma or hepatoblastoma.
One practice that can give you a fighting chance of identifying problems soon enough to tackle them and stop them in their tracks is seeing your doctor. It's also essential to go in for annual exams. When you book annual checkups, your doctor can perform preventive screenings that will help to identify any issues that need to be addressed. Don’t overlook seeing your doctor.
If you’re ready to get healthier and enjoy a higher quality of life, consider these three things.
1. Aim for Daily Exercise
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, adults require 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise or other physical activity every week. They also need two days of muscle-strengthening activity, like lifting weights every week. Does that seem daunting? It might be if you’re not used to setting aside time for regular exercise.
But you don’t have to do everything at the same time. So, you can break up the two-and-a-half hours of moderate-intensity exercise or other physical activity over several days. You don’t have to do it all in one go. For instance, you can do 25 minutes of exercise six days a week.
But what specific health benefits can you enjoy if you exercise regularly? You can get in shape and maintain a healthy weight, ward off serious health conditions like heart disease and diabetes, improve your mood, get better quality of sleep, increase energy levels, and more.
Regular exercise won’t guarantee a life free of illness. But it’ll increase your odds of living a longer, healthier, and happier life. And that’s worth the effort.
2. Get Quality Sleep
Are you getting enough sleep? Adults aged 18 to 60 should get seven or more hours of sleep a night, those 61 to 64 should get seven to nine hours of sleep a night, and those 65 and older should strive for seven to eight hours of sleep a night.
Quality sleep is vital, so it's not just how much sleep you get. It’s how well you sleep. Do you frequently have to get up to use the bathroom, do you often wake up gasping for air, or do you have trouble falling asleep? Mention any of these issues to your doctor. If you have a sleep disorder, help is available.
Sleep deficiency could increase your odds of facing various chronic health issues that include, but aren't limited to, kidney disease, high blood pressure, and obesity. Prioritize getting quality sleep every night to enjoy better health. Consider the following tips to help you sleep well:
- Go to bed at the same time every night.
- Avoid distractions such as a television or a smartphone.
- Steer clear of large meals too close to bedtime
- Ensure your room is quiet and comfortable.
3. Drink Plenty of Water
Are you drinking enough water every day? One source says men should drink 15.5 cups of water per day, and women should drink 11.5 cups of water a day.
Consuming enough water offers plenty of benefits. For instance, it will help your body to eliminate waste through urination, bowel movements, and perspiration. It will also safeguard sensitive tissues and lubricate your joints.
Drinking water is one of the easiest and best things you can do for your health -- so get in the habit of consuming a sufficient amount of water every day.
If you don't drink enough water, you could experience regular headaches, dry skin, constipation, sluggishness, dry mouth, and weight gain.
Staying healthy over the long haul is possible. But it’ll take a determined effort. Follow these recommendations to enjoy a better quality of life. Exercise, sleep, and water aren’t the only things you can do for your health. But doing these things will make a big impact.