5 ACTIONS FOR GOOD HEALTH

Self-care actions can help to prevent disease, maintain health and manage health conditions. They are habits, practices and lifestyle choices – things that we can do to look after ourselves and lead a healthier life.

Here are some things to keep in mind.

Regular physical activity. This has huge health benefits for our hearts, minds and bodies. Did you know that physical activity helps to reduce the symptoms of depression and anxiety? It also helps with thinking, learning and making judgments.

Eating a healthier diet – eat a variety of foods including whole grains, nuts, lots of fruit, and vegetables, and legumes like lentils and beans. And don’t forget foods from animal sources like meat, fish, eggs and milk.

Looking after our mental health. Good mental health is vital to our overall health and well-being. Things that help us look after our mental health include following a healthier lifestyle; spending time in nature and outdoors; talking to family and friends; getting a good night’s sleep; managing stress and limiting “high-risk” situations; talking about mental health problems as they arise and seeking help when needed.

Limiting alcohol intake. No level of alcohol consumption is safe for our health. Alcohol is a toxic, psychoactive, and dependence-producing substance and has been classified as a Group 1 carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer decades ago – this is the highest risk group, which also includes asbestos, radiation and tobacco. Alcohol causes at least 7 types of cancer, including the most common cancer types, such as bowel cancer and female breast cancer.

Ceasing tobacco use. Nicotine contained in tobacco is highly addictive and tobacco use is a major risk factor for cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, over 20 different types or subtypes of cancer, and many other debilitating health conditions. Every year, more than 8 million people die from tobacco use.

Source: WHO