This year is the 75th anniversary of World Health Day. On April 7th, 1948, the World Health Organization (WHO) was founded to promote health and well-being around the world. Over the past seven decades, WHO has been able to help improve the quality of life for the general public, and it is their mission to continue this.
To celebrate World Health Day this year, we’ve gathered some tips for getting- and staying- healthy!
- Limit unhealthy foods- We all love our junk foods, but when eaten too often they can have an adverse effect on our health. Having a good diet is all about balance. Make sure you are consuming meals with more protein and fiber than sugars and fats.
- Take vitamins- Even with a well-balanced diet, it can sometimes be hard to get all of the nutrients we need. Consider taking a multivitamin supplement. Look for supplements that have vitamins A, B6, B12, C, D, and E, along with zinc, iron, copper, selenium, and magnesium. These are all great for keeping you healthy and boosting your immune system.
- Drink water- Staying hydrated is an important part of living a healthy life. It is also a good idea to limit your consumption of sugary drinks- even if they do technically contain water as well.
- Exercise regularly- Regular exercise doesn’t have to mean a full workout regimen. Even if it is just taking your dog for a walk or practicing some yoga, just 30 minutes of physical movement a day can improve your health.
- Reduce screen time- Everyone seems addicted to their phones these days or spends most of their workday staring at a computer screen. To help reduce eye strain from screens practice the 20-20-20 rule! Every 20 minutes, look at something at least 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.
- Get enough sleep- Sleep is the body’s time to recover from the day’s events. Those who get more sleep generally have a better immune system. Additionally, if you have started working out recently, you’ve probably noticed an increase in the quality of your sleep.
- Find ways to manage stress- Whether from home or from work, we all get stressed. Find healthy ways of managing this. This could be as simple as talking to a friend or going on a walk to clear your head.
- Limit alcohol and tobacco use- Both alcohol and tobacco use can adversely affect your health over time. They can put you at an increased risk of certain diseases like cancer.
- Stay out of the sun- Even when it’s cloudy or overcast you can be at risk of sunburn. Try to wear sunscreen every day, especially if you know you’ll be outside. When possible, avoid going out between 10am and 3pm when the sun’s rays are most harmful.
Living a healthier life doesn’t have to be a bunch of big changes all at once. Even just small changes- like eating more vegetables or going on a walk a few times a week- can have a big impact on your health!