"Smile 20 years from now" by Dr. Jomel Bajar,PT,DPT,MS
Can you see yourself smiling happily like this couple on your retirement age? Would you be able to tell yourself that "I lived the life I want to live and I made a difference" or perhaps something like a regret - "I should have taken care of my health 20 years ago".
In an age where everyone is on the go, thinking about your health seems to be off the priority list. While working your hardest for this month’s bill or for your child’s future schooling expenses, I wonder who thinks about their health anymore? Maybe your bills and expenses are number one on your list, however, consider putting your health on the close second.
There are several ways you can do take care of your health.
Eat right. While fast food may be a quicker choice for the everyday worker, it would be rational for some to choose what is convenient. However, what is easy is not always right. What one could do is prepare ahead; plan your entire week's worth of food on the weekend or consider taking packed lunches to work on a daily basis. With ample preparation and planning, you can control your eating habits.
Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Drink even more when you are sweating or when you are outside on a hot day.
Exercise more. Consider walking to work or taking the stairs, forget the elevator. Well, maybe your car and the elevator are both made for a reason, but may be, we can let go of that comfort to take care of our health if doable. Squeeze in regular exercise in your daily routine, do marching in place while watching your favorite TV show, or perhaps do your squats every commercial break.
Stop smoking. Cigarette smoking is a proven cause of an endless list of diseases from heart disease, stroke, lung disease, to cancer. If you consider switching to vape because you believe it’s a healthy choice, Kudos to you. That is a first step. However, realize that vaping and e-cigarettes have also been proven to cause various conditions. (https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/basic_information/e-cigarettes/severe-lung-disease.html)
So start contemplating about ending your habit of smoking, vaping, and using any form of electronic cigarettes.
Do regular visits to your primary caregiver. Diseases caught early have higher chances of cure. This could also prevent illnesses before they even occur. Consider an annual check-up as a routine to take care of yourself. You take your automobile for maintenance and you even protect your cell phone from scratches. Lets maintain and protect our precious body.
Volunteer your time. Remind yourself to give back to your community. The benefits of volunteering has a positive health outcome to our life. It offers assistance people to in need, provide worthwhile causes in the community, and gives us time to meet new friends, connect with the community, learn new skills, and even advance your career.
Giving to others can also help protect your mental and physical health. It can reduce stress, combat depression, keep you mentally stimulated, and provide a sense of purpose. (https://www.helpguide.org/articles/healthy-living/volunteering-and-its-surprising-benefits.htm)
Rest. Pause your busy life for a while. Scientific evidence supports that resting does not only benefit your physical but your mental health as well. Take a breather from what is keeping you busy. It does not need to be an out-of-town vacation. It does not mean staying in bed for the whole day. You may opt to do the other things you love. Give yourself a chance to take a step back and listen to your thoughts. Find time to recharge and find time for yourself.
Forgetting about your health now could take a serious toll on you in the future. Being sick is very expensive. So why get sick if there are plenty of ways to prevent it. We have only one life to live, lets all make the best of it. Let's all live a better and a healthier life.
A well balance life that we all deserve. Let's all start now! We want to smile and tell ourselves "I did my best and I have no regrets".