Do you want to live a long and vibrant life? The best thing you can do is to take care of your mind and body. Here are some things you can do to maintain your health.
1. Drive Carefully
Operating a vehicle comes with a great deal of responsibility. However, some people aren’t prone to following the rules and being mindful of other drivers and pedestrians. When people drive irresponsibly, it can result in personal injuries or fatalities. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, 90 to 95% of personal injury cases use mediation to settle instead of going to a court trial. Avoid a devastating and life-altering injury to you or someone else that could reduce your quality of life by understanding driving safety.
2. Get Sleep
Quality sleep is a must for any child or adult. According to the Sleep Foundation, adults should get 7 to 9 hours of peaceful sleep every night. Without good sleep, you can develop a series of health problems such as inflammation, weight gain, depression, and anxiety. If you’re in an environment that doesn’t allow for good sleep, there are things you can do to change it. For example, keep a clean and comfortable mattress and bedding. Take steps to reduce any noise pollution in or around your home. Something as simple as having your local landscaper plant trees around your home can block exterior noise pollution.
3. Avoid Drugs and Smoking
According to DrugAbuse.com, 23.5 million Americans are being treated for substance abuse problems. While it’s perfectly normal to have a few drinks with friends or family, it can become a problem if you become addicted to it. Some people may be using illicit drugs like fentanyl or abusing prescribed medication, such as opioids. While smoking is legal, it’s extremely harmful to your health. Smoking has been linked to issues such as lung cancer and cardiovascular problems. The effects of nicotine and chewing tobacco can also wreak havoc on your dental health.
4. Eat a Healthy Diet
People must eat to live. Remember that food is fuel, so you need the right amount of nutrition with a balanced amount of fruit and vegetables. Try to eat a colorful palette of produce for a healthy dose of vitamins A, B, and C, amino acids, Omega 3s, calcium, iron, and more. Meat provides a great deal of protein, but be mindful to eat meat in the right proportion, which is a 3oz serving. When it comes to thirst, make sure that you drink plenty of water every day. According to Healthline, people should drink at least 8-8 oz glasses of water for proper hydration.
5. Get Regular Checkups
A good health plan should also include regular visits to your doctor and dentist. You should see your doctor at least once a year for a primary care checkup. According to the American Dental Association, people should see the dentist at least once every six months. To afford regular health care, people should have some form of insurance to avoid paying expensive bills out of pocket. According to the National Health Interview Survey, 66.6% of adults aged 18-64 are registered with private insurance.
6. Stay Active
Becoming a couch potato is one of the worst things you can do to your body. Doctors recommend at least 30 minutes of regular activity a day. You may want to hit the gym and see what lifting weights can do for you. You may enjoy Pilates and yoga for stretching and fluidity, or you can keep it simple by going for daily walks.
It’s your responsibility to maintain good health. From shopping for a balanced variety of food to staying active to keeping up with medical appointments, there are many things you can do to ensure a healthy mind and body. Doing so can increase your chances of not only reaching but surpassing your life expectancy with vigor and energy.