Everybody faces sickness at some point. It’s just that some experience it more than others, and some endure bouts of ailments with greater severity than others encounter.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that from October 1, 2023, to March 9, 2024, there have been 29 million to 54 million flu ailments, 13 million to 25 million flu medical visits, 320,000 to 670,000 flu hospitalizations, and 20,000 to 58,000 flu deaths.
And that’s just a snapshot of the flu. There are many more sicknesses that people suffer from. No one can eliminate the possibility of diseases, but there are things one can do to lower the risks. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. But people often pay by the pound rather than by the ounce and suffer needlessly before reacting to preventable ailments.
Here are five things people should add to their daily health regimens for better overall health.
- Drink Up
According to the Mayo Clinic, men should drink about 15.5 cups of water daily, and women should drink around 11.5 cups daily. Consuming enough water safeguards sensitive tissues, eliminates waste through bowel movements and urination, and cushions joints. So, it’s essential to drink enough water every day. The abovementioned recommendations are guidelines. You may need to drink even more water if you exercise a lot or engage in lots of physical activity.
- Quality Shut-Eye
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that adults get at least seven hours of sleep per night. When getting enough sleep, you can experience better heart health, less risk of injury, and an improved attention span. While the benefits are enticing, the drawbacks of getting insufficient sleep are equally compelling. Sleep deficiency can increase the risks of high blood pressure, heart disease, depression, and more. So, a good night’s rest is a must.
- Minerals and Vitamins
Your body requires minerals and vitamins to function optimally. When taking in minerals and vitamins in appropriate quantities, your body can better fight infections, build strong bones, and heal wounds. You can get vitamins and minerals through the produce, grains, and other things you eat. But the odds are you’re not eating enough of the right foods to get the recommended nutrients tally. That’s one reason some people turn to supplements. If you want an all-in-one supplement that helps with gut health, provides antioxidants, and is palatable, try a green powder drink. It’ll make it easier to get the vitamins and minerals you need.
- Exercise
It’s a good idea to strive for no less than one and a half hours of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or one hour and fifteen minutes of vigorous aerobic activity weekly for optimal health. If you’re like most people, you aren’t getting enough exercise every week. But inactivity can breed diseases or adverse health conditions like type two diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, and high blood cholesterol. Such health issues can cause severe and long-lasting damage.
- Self-Care
Self-care isn’t selfish. It’s difficult to care for those nearest and dearest to you if you’re not caring for yourself. Popular self-care trends include digital detox, plant-based diets, nature immersion, meditation, and sleep optimization. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Take time out for self-care so that you can be there for people who need you the most.
You’re missing out if you’re not doing all of the five things above. They’re worth doing to enjoy a higher quality of health. It also won’t hurt to visit your doctor for annual physicals to stay on top of any health issues you may have. Your doctor will be your partner in achieving and maintaining the best health possible.
I am a 26 year old young and witty girl, who simply loves to write and be around her friends. I am the one who believes in filling the heart of her readers with love, passion and contentment.
