Staying Healthy
We all know that more and more of the disease and
disabilities from which we suffer can be cured by modern
medicine. But for some, especially heart disease and
cancer, cures are still sadly inadequate. Are we
sufficiently aware that a great deal of disease need not
have happened in the first place? Much can be prevented
by a combination of people making some changes in
lifestyle and occasional check-ups by doctors and
nurses.
It's not a matter of living longer and longer. One in
five of us dies before the age of 65. A third of these
deaths are due to heart disease and strokes but the
number of these is falling already due to lifestyle
changes and medical care. You'll feel better too!
It’s easy to take your health for granted.
By following a healthy lifestyle you can reduce the risk
of getting seriously ill. You will feel better and it
will help improve your immune system.
Alcohol
In small quantities, alcohol can actually be beneficial
to health. In large quantities, on a regular basis, it
can have a very serious negative effect on health. At
one extreme it can kill. Cirrhosis of the liver, for
instance, is killing an increasing number of people, as
are drivers who are over the limit.
An accepted safe limit is 28 units a week for men and 21
units for women, a unit being approximately a glass of
wine, half a pint of beer or a single measure of spirit
This recommended maximum presumes that the consumption
is spread throughout the week and not consumed all at
once in a ‘binge’.
Smoking
Over 100,000 people die each year in the UK from
smoking-related diseases.
Every cigarette you smoke can shorten your life by an
average of five and a half minutes.
Babies of smokers are, on average, 200 grammes smaller
than those of non smokers.
Smokers smell!
How to Give Up Smoking
Stopping smoking is all about motivation. Without the
real desire to give up you are unable to succeed. You
must want to give up rather than feel you should give
up.
Set a date a week or so in the future when you intend to
stop.
Tell all your friends, relations and work colleagues
that you’re giving up on that day and ask for their
support and encouragement. If at all possible, find
someone to give up with you.
When the big day comes, plan it carefully with plenty to
keep you occupied. Avoid situations where the desire to
smoke will be strongest such as whilst drinking.
Finally, carefully put the money you would have spent on
cigarettes on one side, each day, to save up for some
special treat as a reward.
If you’ve tried everything and failed but are still keen
to give up, seek help from your doctor.
Diet
If your diet is lacking, your body has ways of letting
you know, for example, you may be overweight or
underweight or you may have a spotty complexion or
constipation. Ultimately, a bad diet can lead to serious
problems such as heart disease.
A good diet helps fight off disease and makes you look
and feel good.
Eight Ways to Keep Healthy:
- Blood Pressure - Has yours been checked in the past five years?
- Overweight - Some people are overweight - others are “undertall”. Chances are you weigh more than you should.
- Smoking - More and more people are giving up smoking. There are various programmes available to help you give up.
- Exercise - Regular exercise has both physical and mental benefits.
- Relaxation - Tension and anxiety can be helped by a psychologist or counsellor.
- Alcohol - Can make a good servant but a bad master.
- Cervical Smears - We recommend women should have regular three yearly cervical smears.
- Tetanus Prevention - We will check if you are immune and bring your cover up to date.
