|
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.
To download a word document on Healthy
Living Advice please
click here.
 |
