4 Ways to Be Proactive About Your Health
By TOI Staff July 1, 2023 Update on : July 1, 2023
Most people are reactive with their health, meaning they start taking action to better their health and well-being when things have already gone wrong. Being proactive means taking care of your body before it starts breaking down. Doing so protects you from the devastating effects of conditions and diseases that are much harder to treat once diagnosed. It also helps you live a healthier life where you get sick less often and have better mental health. Let’s look at what you can do to get the same proactive benefits other people are getting.
Improve Your Diet
Your diet is one of the most critical determinants of how healthy you are. Most people have diets with lots of processed foods that are bulky and full of calories, but not full of the nutrients they need for the best mental and physical health.
When changing your diet, consider slowly incorporating organic whole foods, fruits, and vegetables into your meals. Switching like this will not give your body the shock typically associated with stopping the consumption of processed foods that are bad for your body that your body thinks are healthy.
You should also consider supplementing with nutrients that you do not get out of your diet. A common reason for this is specific conditions that make the absorption of certain nutrients harder, thereby impacting the body negatively.
Use Health Solutions and Plans That Reward You for Caring About Your Health
Everyone has a healthcare challenge that is a barrier to being proactive about their health. Perhaps that challenge is smoking or diabetes. There are health plans tailored to help you deal with these challenges by rewarding behaviors that help you deal with them.
These are plans designed to ensure members can personalize their perfect healthcare plan and end up with ones that align with their healthcare challenges. By doing so, these healthcare plans become an integral part of helping them be more proactive about their health.
Get Enough Sleep
Many people underestimate the impact getting enough sleep has on our emotional and physical health. Sleeping allows our bodies and minds to recharge so we can have the energy and mental focus to do what we need to do to take care of ourselves the following day.
Sleep has also been associated with a reduced risk for certain conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes. It is also one of the best ways to reduce stress, which we know has numerous negative effects on the body.
Incorporate Exercise into Your Life
Exercise has many physical and mental health benefits, which is why doctors tell you to get moving if you are at risk of certain conditions. Remember that you do not have to strain your body as 30 minutes of low-impact exercise can have a significant impact if you are consistent.
Exercising too much can also be detrimental as it can affect your bones and joints, or lead to serious muscle injuries. It is best to talk to a doctor and a professional trainer so they can guide you on what exercises to do and how far you can push yourself. Being proactive about your health is important as it protects you from long-term illnesses and conditions. It also makes you feel better overall, which can have a positive impact on your work and relationships. Lastly, it reduces healthcare costs as you do not have to see the doctor as often if you are taking care of your health.
Read more: 4 Ways to Be Proactive About Your Health