All the activities we do in our daily lives play an important role in our health, from how we handle our emotions, even the way we eat or do physical exercises.
Here we present a mini medical test with basic questions that you must do periodically, to help you keep your health up to date:
1. Am I feeding well and moisturizing every day
A balanced diet is essential to keep our body functioning 365 days a year, this means eating every day fair portions of:
1. Fruits
2. Vegetables
3. Cereals and grains
4. Proteins
5. Carbohydrates.
Water is a fundamental element to keep our body hydrated, at least 6 to 8 glasses of water a day are needed, the equivalent of 1.5 to 2 liters.
Am I exercising enough?
This is not to say gym is strictly necessary in these cases, a simple daily walk with the children would be enough to activate the circulation of the body and help prevent the onset of cardiovascular diseases. Exercise helps keep the body active and provides the segregation of hormones related to the sense of well-being, as well as recent studies have revealed that exercise is a powerful distractor of worry and pain, and helps us regulate reactions against stress.
Am I trying to get enough sleep
Most adults require between 7 and 8 hours of good quality sleep to rest, if you are unable to do so, at least try to achieve 6 hours. Modifying our daily routine (such as exercising in the morning instead of doing it at night), creating a good sleeping environment, trying to go to bed at the same time every night, or putting relaxing instrumental music, are tips that will help us to achieve a better sleep.
Do I maintain a medical – preventive attitude?
Prevention is the key, do not wait to be sick to go check your health. Simple laboratory tests once a year will help us determine how our values are. Some key annual checkups are: screening for prostate cancer, gynecological screening, such as the pap smear for cervical cancer and mammography for breast cancer, colonoscopies, endoscopies, as the case may be, among others.
Do I wash my hands often, do I keep my vaccines up to date?
Maintain this habit permanently, before and after handling food, before and after going to the bathroom, keep alcohol-based gels in the bag or car can also be effective. Likewise, periodic vaccination is essential for disease prevention, especially in times of season changes, and at least 10 days before leaving on a trip, if applicable.
Do I make a list of goals in the short – medium and long term?
Remember that objectives do not only represent the reason for life of a company, also at a personal level making a list of goals will keep us focused on what we want to obtain out of life. Write down the aspects of your personality or career that you would like to achieve in 2 years, 5 years and 8 years. This will help us, even in our role as parents, to establish in our children the feeling of achieving goals, giving them tools to reach them and grow.
At my social gatherings, do I expose myself to high alcohol consumption and tobacco?
These habits according to the World Health Organization have been considered as a global epidemic that kills around 6 million people each year. As for tobacco, we know that it is difficult to avoid being a “social smoker”, but there are some techniques on the market that can help you fight anxiety and quit smoking, such as the use of electronic cigarettes with less nicotine content. In any case it is important to always apply the will and decision. We also know that alcohol is present in all social gatherings, but it is not indispensable; It is even true that a glass of wine eventually helps kidney function and decreases cardiovascular risk, but remember 1 occasional glass is not the same as a weekly bottle. So without sounding too commercial, remember that in your health all excess is bad, practice moderation and you will be much better and last longer.
Do I try to keep in permanent contact with family and friends?
Let’s not lose sight of them! Relating to those we love most helps us maintain emotional stability. If you find yourself in a situation where you have family and friends who live away from you, take advantage of technological advances (telephone, video calls, chat, text messages) to get closer and be in contact with them.
With this periodic checklist of healthy habits, we can be alert to alert symptoms that help us prevent and combat the onset of diseases, without having to visit the doctor every day.