Health & Wellness
Health is the most important aspect of living a good and fulfilling life. A person with good health has the power and ability to perform tasks and meet life goals without hesitation or hindrance. Good health is not just about physical well-being, though; it is also about mental and emotional well-being. Let us look at different aspects of our health and how we can work on sustaining a healthy lifestyle.
Physical health
This refers to the health of the body, its organs, and its ability to perform everyday tasks and activities. Physical fitness is essential, as it helps tackle several challenges and limitations which would otherwise make daily life difficult. Some of the benefits of maintaining physical health include:
Reduces the risks of diseases
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), getting at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity every week can reduce the risk of heart diseases and strokes. If you include more hours of exercise, this risk reduces even further. It can also help control blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
Apart from cardiovascular health, research also suggests that regular exercise reduces the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome, which is a combination of certain health complications, like high blood pressure, cholesterol, high blood sugar, and excess fat. Around 150 minutes of physical exercise a week leads to reduced risk, and extra effort and time will reduce the risk further.
Studies have also shown that regular exercise can lead to a reduced risk of developing common cancers like that of the bladder, lung, breast, colon, endometrium, esophagus, stomach, and kidney.
Increases bone and muscle strength
The joints, bones, and muscles tend to get brittle and weak with age. It is crucial to keep these bones and muscles healthy at an elderly age, as it could hinder everyday activities like walking, sitting, standing up, and bending. Training exercises that focus on muscle strength is one of the best ways to tackle this problem. Lifting weights can be hopeful in improving muscle mass, leading to more strength. Since elders usually lose muscle mass easily, these exercises can help manage the issue. Increase the weight and repetitions of movement over time, and see your body get stronger.
Functional limitations and preventing falls
With age comes functional limitations that prevent you from enjoying simple everyday tasks like climbing the stairs and going on evening walks. It has been studied that physically active adults have a lower risk of these functional limitations. Also, elders are more prone to falls and injuries if they are imbalanced and have weak bones or muscles. Activities like aerobics, muscle strengthening exercises, and balance training can help curb these problems.
Manage chronic health conditions
Physical activities help reduce pain, improve mood, and also improve the quality of life for people with arthritis. Regular movement will help keep the sugar levels in check and lower the risk of nerve damage and heart disease, especially for those with type 2 diabetes.
Mental health
This aspect of health includes an individual’s emotional, psychological, and social well-being. Just like physical health, mental health needs regular attention and care to avoid illnesses. Mental health affects how we feel, think, and act in various environments and situations. Even today, the topic of mental health remains a taboo subject; however, with more open conversations and awareness programs, more and more people are open to talking about mental health and how it affects us all.
Importance of mental health
Mental and physical health are interdependent on each other. According to studies, depression is known to increase the risk of certain diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and even strokes. Similarly, chronic physical conditions can increase the risk of mental illnesses like depression and anxiety.
It is essential to understand that just as one can work on their physical health, they can also work on improving their mental health. If you are experiencing any symptoms that may point to a mental illness, it is vital to address them and speak to a professional. Some common symptoms may include: eating or sleeping too much or too little, feeling hopeless, getting addicted to an unhealthy lifestyle, getting irritated easily, feeling distant and asocial, not enjoying your regular activities or hobbies, being paranoid, experiencing mood swings, and even feeling unusually disoriented and confused.
It is imperative to be vocal about your feelings and state of mind, especially with your trusted circle of friends and family. They can help and guide you to the right resources and professionals.
