No matter what age you are, your health is important, and you should be doing your best to take care of it at all times. Yet, getting and staying healthy can often be complicated since there is so much information coming from every direction telling you what is healthy and what isn’t. There are thousands of conflicting articles, videos from Instagram influencers, and other information on the internet about all the things you should and shouldn’t be doing. News channels even have health segments. Sometimes the information is contradictory and you can get really confused about what habits are actually healthy ones.
The good news is that there are some tried and true basics that you should pretty much always follow. For example, going to the doctor when you are sick, injured, or feeling off is great advice.
But what if you could prevent those types of doctor visits? You may be able to by having preventative visits just once or twice a year, and by taking some preventative measures at home.
Here are some easy things you can do to prevent yourself from getting ill or injured in the first place. Check them out below!
1. Wear A Brace
img source: verywellhealth.com
Especially if you work a physically demanding job where you are often lifting heavy objects, you should consider purchasing and wearing a back brace to prevent injuries or damage to your back. Supporting your back with a back brace is inexpensive, comfortable, and easy. They also make braces for other parts of the body so if you have knee pain for example you can wear a knee brace to help prevent it from getting worse. If you are able to prevent years of pain by doing something so simple, you should definitely take advantage of it. Your future self will thank you. You can learn more about the benefits of wearing a back brace here.
2. Take Vitamins
img source: sciencetimes.com
Vitamins are a simple and inexpensive way to make sure you stay as healthy as possible. They have multiple benefits ranging from keeping your immune system strong to keeping your skin clear and everything in between. All you have to do is swallow a pill or eat a gummy once or twice a day, and most vitamins are inexpensive and easy to find in stores. Vitamins are not a one size fits all situation however.
The type and amount of vitamins you should take will vary from person to person, so do some research and ask your doctor before you start taking anything. There are also a lot of different options which can sometimes feel overwhelming. Pinpoint your specific needs and take the vitamins that will benefit you the most.
3. Drink Water
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Everyone grew up hearing that they should drink eight glasses of water a day, but how many people actually do that as adults? You should make an effort to drink enough water every single day because it is one of the simplest ways to improve your health. Not everyone loves the taste of water though, and it can be easy to forget to drink enough of it if you have a busy schedule. Try adding fresh lemon or lime juice or infusing your water with other types of fruit. This is especially delicious on a hot summer day. Sparkling water is another good option to help you stay hydrated. You should also try carrying a water bottle with you everywhere you go or setting an alarm on your phone to remind you to drink it. It’s free, it’s refreshing, and you will literally die without it. So drink up.
4. Raise Your Heart Rate
img source: myfooddiary.com
Raising your heart rate by exercising is an excellent way to prevent all kinds of diseases and health complications. Experts recommend engaging in an activity that raises your heart rate (this can be something like cardio, but it can also be something as simple as taking a walk) for about 30 minutes a day. If you don’t have time to do it every day, that’s alright. Just try to get in as much as you can. Raising your heart rate is not only good for preventing health issues down the road, but it also has immediate benefits. It can also boost your mood, give you energy, and help you lose weight! Try investing in a smart watch or other fitness bracelet so that you can keep track of your heart rate. Soon you’ll find that raising it a little bit each day can get addictive!
5. Eat Clean
img source: healthline.com
Your diet is one of the biggest things tied to your health and a clean diet almost always means less health problems down the road. Sugar, carbs, and salt, among other things, are commonly known to cause diseases and other health issues – especially when ingested in large quantities over long periods of time.
Try cleaning up your diet a little by eating fewer preservatives, carbs, and gluten. Eat less sugar and consume less alcohol as well. You will notice that not only do you feel less sluggish and more energized, but your skin will be glowing, you’ll be less bloated, and one of the best benefits of all is one you won’t be able to see from the outside: you’ll live longer! Of course, as with anything, moderation is key. Eating clean doesn’t mean that you can never have chocolate cake again. Of course you can. If you clean up your diet, you just may be around for a lot more birthdays to have the opportunity to do so!
There’s no argument about the fact that taking care of your body is one of the best things you can do for yourself and your family, but sometimes life just gets really busy and it gets put on that back burner. Don’t allow that to happen anymore and try some of these super easy preventative measures to help you get your health back on track! Your body and mind will thank you.