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“There are several everyday habits that can harm one’s health. It is important to adopt healthy habits to maintain good health and prevent chronic diseases,” said Dr Vijay Kumar Gurjar
World Health Day is observed annually to draw attention to a special health topic of concern to people all over the world. It is celebrated to commemorate the founding of the World Health Organization (WHO) on April 7, 1948. This year, marking WHO’s 75th anniversary, it is being celebrated with the theme ‘Health for All’.
While many people tend to believe that health needs to be focused on only in cases of extreme diagnoses, health experts underline that it’s crucial to pay attention to everyday habits that may be ruining your health in the long run. “There are several everyday habits that can harm one’s health. It is important to adopt healthy habits to maintain good health and prevent chronic diseases,” said Dr Vijay Kumar Gurjar, Senior Consultant and Head of the Department of Geriatric Medicine, Primus Super Speciality Hospital.
So, what are these habits? Dr Prashant Bhatt, Senior Consultant, Internal Medicine, Manipal Hospital, Patiala shared a few.
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Sedentary lifestyle: Owing to today’s fast lifestyle and always busy mindset, people have started leading a sedentary lifestyle. People who have a busy work ethic find themselves sitting in the same position for hours. On the other hand, when people have time on their hands, they end up spending it scrolling on their mobile phones. Inactivity is the cause of many diseases, including obesity, heart disease, mental illnesses, and more.
Smoking or drinking: Once you start smoking or drinking alcohol, it can easily become a daily habit due to addiction and social approval. Smoking is the number one cause of heart disease and can cause stroke, cancer, COPD, and other diseases. Similarly, alcohol adversely affects the body by risking the development of cancer and liver disorders.
Carelessness towards nutrition and hydration: Another bad habit people have is not caring enough about the food they are eating and not drinking an adequate amount of water.
Lack of sleep: Sleep is essential for the body to function well and recover from fatigue. Not sleeping enough every day will lead to a lack of focus and concentration, an irritated mood, and an increased risk of critical heart disease, stroke, obesity, and depression.
Apart from these, experts also urged all to avoid snacking when not hungry. “Eating mindlessly needs to be stopped right away if you are someone who wants to get back in shape. Apart from that, binge eating is also a strict no-no as it can lead to a plethora of health problems such as obesity, acidity, and inflammation in the body. It is not a good idea to skip your exercise routine. This can lead to muscle pain, stress, and weight gain,” said Dr Sunita Dube, Radiologist and Founder, MedscapeIndia- FitIndia Movement.
So, what habits should you follow instead? Dr Manish Maheshwari, Consultant, General Medicine, Narayana Multispeciality Hospital, Ahmedabad listed a few.
Regular physical activity: Engaging in regular physical activity can help you maintain a healthy weight, reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, and improve your mental health.
Getting enough sleep: Aim to get 7-8 hours of sleep each night to improve your overall health and well-being.
Eating a healthy diet: Eat a diet that is rich in whole foods such as fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains to provide your body with essential nutrients and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
Meditation and relaxation techniques: Practicing mindfulness, meditation, or deep breathing exercises can help reduce stress and improve mental health.
Hydration: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your body hydrated and functioning properly.
Maintaining a good posture: Sitting and standing up straight can improve your posture and prevent back pain.
Practising good hygiene: Washing your hands regularly, brushing your teeth twice a day, and taking regular showers can help prevent the spread of disease and keep you feeling clean and healthy.
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First published on: 07-04-2023 at 19:00 IST
