The pandemic has shone a spotlight on health and wellbeing, and many of us are emerging from lockdown with a desire to prioritise health. If you’re looking for simple steps you can take today to protect your wellbeing and promote health and happiness, here are some top tips.
Checks and tests
Many of us are guilty of burying our heads in the sand when we don’t feel well or ignoring messages or letters that contain details of tests or routine checks that are available to us. If you tend to chuck mail on a pile of unopened letters, or it’s been a long time since you visited a doctor or a dentist, it’s crucial to understand the importance of keeping up to date with health checks. Ideally, you should see your dentist every 6-12 months and have your eyes and your hearing tested on a regular basis. If you’re invited to attend a screening or a general health check, make an appointment as soon as possible. Cancer screening tests, blood pressure and BMI checks and sessions designed to provide information about cardiovascular illnesses and diabetes save lives.
Image via https://pixabay.com/photos/stethoscope-doctor-medical-1584223/
Insurance
Taking out health insurance won’t prevent you from getting ill, but it will provide you with peace of mind and a wider range of options if you need medical treatment. As well as investing in health insurance, it’s also wise to explore life insurance and critical illness cover, especially if you have dependents. Getting life insurance with poor health can be more difficult, and premiums are likely to be higher, but it is possible to find providers that offer cover for those with underlying health conditions. Before you take out any kind of policy, think about what you want from your insurance, compare prices and make sure you read the details. It’s best to prioritise value for money over cost, as some plans are much more comprehensive than others.
Picture from https://www.pexels.com/photo/white-oval-medication-pill-beside-blister-pack-47327/
Preventative measures
It is not always possible to prevent every illness, infection or disease, but there are steps you can take to boost physical and mental health and reduce the risk of preventable conditions. Your lifestyle choices have a significant influence on the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease and some types of cancer, for example. Eating well, leading an active lifestyle, drinking in moderation and avoiding smoking can reduce the risk of these illnesses dramatically. If you need help with cutting down on drinking, or you’d like to quit smoking, there is support available. You can arrange to see your doctor, visit a local pharmacy or get in touch with local community groups. If you don’t hit the recommended activity target of 150 minutes of exercise per week, start building your fitness gradually by walking more and getting involved in sports, activities and workouts. You can train at home via online workouts, interactive personal training sessions or fitness DVDs, embrace the great outdoors and try hiking, kayaking, climbing or mountain biking, or join a sports club, team or local gym.
Image credit: https://www.pexels.com/photo/man-and-woman-jogging-4024914/
Many of us are keen to start putting our health first. If you’re on a mission to protect yourself and reap the rewards of a healthier lifestyle, take these steps today.
*This is a collaborative post*
No comments
Post a Comment