Many people, elderly or not so elderly,worry
about their health and often take out all sorts of insurance
against all possible eventualities, but could it be that the best
insurance is natural?
For some people their attitude is that if something goes wrong
with their body, then their health insurance will take care of it.
But surely it’s better to avoid problems in the first place?
Of course it is. Just because you have car insurance, it
doesn’t mean you don’t take care on the road. Having
home contents insurance doesn’t mean you leave the door open
for a thief to have his pick of your worldly goods. And it’s
the same with health insurance: it’s there in case you run
into problems. But with the right natural health investment,
hopefully you won’t need it.
IT’S NEVER TOO LATE
The basics of good natural health insurance are straightforward.
Don’t smoke, keep active, eat a healthy diet with plenty of
fruit and vegetables, drink alcohol within safe recommended
amounts, keep to an ideal weight, get enough rest and regularly
take time to relax. Doing this will lessen the risk of many
illnesses such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, osteoporosis and
joint problems, to name just a handful. It will also help to
maintain good spirits and enjoyment in life.
Simple isn’t it? Yes, in theory. But we all know how
it’s easier to say than to do, particularly if there is more
than one thing needing to change. There are simple ways, however,
of achieving the lifestyle that will maximise health benefits and
provide health protection. Moreover, it’s never too late to
start.
IT DOESN’T HAVE TO HURT
As a nation we are far less active than we were years ago
because of changes in our working and social lives. As we get
older, we become less active too. Consequently more people are
overweight and obese and at risk of the problems this can bring -
heart attacks, strokes, osteoarthritis, depression. It’s
thought that in the future, obesity will push smoking out of the
number-one health-risk spot.
Many people are frightened when they are advised to do more
exercise. Immediately the gym springs into the mind but really
it’s being more active that’s important and this can be
anything that gets your heart pumping a little faster and makes you
feel slightly out of breath. Walking to the newsagent to get your
paper counts, taking the dog for an extra walk does too. The key is
to fit the activity into your daily way of life, so it becomes a
routine. Another option is to use this as the motivation to take up
a new hobby, for example dancing, or to rekindle a hobby from the
past. Of course, if going to the gym or swimming is what you want
to do, then do it.
Being just a little bit more active each day will help your
physical health and it will also make you feel better in yourself.
You’ll have more energy and once you’ve achieved one
goal, you’ll be more motivated to make the next change.
NOT ALL AT ONCE
You don’t have to do everything in one go. Try making one
change a week or one each month. For instance, if you’re not
yet eating at least five portions of fruit and vegetables a day,
try just one additional portion a day for a week, then two
additional portions and so on until you hit the target. Make it fun
by choosing fruit and vegetables you don’t usually buy. Many
people suggest eating a rainbow each day so a variety of fruit and
vegetables is consumed. This means that the important vitamins and
minerals the body needs, particularly the antioxidant ones such as
C and E, and selenium, and those for good bone health (calcium,
magnesium for example) should be adequately supplied.
However, where diets are not all they could be, a natural
insurance policy in the form of a daily multivitamin supplement or
one formulated to provide specific nutrients - calcium, magnesium
and vitamin D for bone health for example - can be a very good way
of ensuring the body gets what it needs.
Something that is very important for overall health and
well-being are essential fatty acids. The body can’t make
these so they need to come from the diet. Omega-3 fatty acids help
to maintain a healthy heart and circulation and also keep joints
healthy. Moreover, they benefit brain health too. Oily fish such as
mackerel and sardines are rich sources and it’s advisable to
eat at least one portion of such a week or to have the equivalent
from a supplement.
ALL WORK AND NO PLAY
Vital yet often forgotten components of good physical and
emotional health are rest and relaxation. Each of us needs the
opportunity to unwind every day. To begin with, this may be just 30
minutes to sit and read a book or listen to music. Ideally it
should be five minutes every hour, with at least one hour each day
spent doing something that is enjoyed and brings relaxation. If
that’s doing nothing, then that’s OK too.
Stress is an ever increasing part of everyday life. It grinds
the body and mind down, contributing to heart disease and
depression. An important part of staying healthy is keeping the
mind and body fresh, so you remain motivated to take care of your
health. It’s easy to fall into the trap of inactivity,
unhealthy eating and drinking and worrying about it. Some people
find it hard to relax and unwind: they just can’t switch off.
This is where natural therapies such as a massage, going for a walk
or herbs such as valerian, can help.
Eating healthily, staying physically active and keeping the mind
stimulated through chess, Suduko or socialising, for example, and
getting enough rest will provide more energy. For an extra boost,
ginseng, co-enzyme Q10 or B vitamin complex can help.
It’s never too late to initiate natural health insurance
and it shouldn’t involve complicated packages and policies
either. Making this investment in your health will provide for you
not only in the long term but also in the short term as you feel
the benefits each day.
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