BY CHERYL LUIS
HEALTH is a major concern of every Filipino. COVID-19 is feared. Hospitals and medicines are not cheap. It’s true that if you have no money, you’ll die.
Being in the hospital means spending more. That’s why in these times health is wealth. Having a healthy body is everyone’s wish. As my mom said, “Maski wala ta kuarta basta wala lang sakit.”
Here are some tips to keep you healthy.
Eat a healthy diet
Eating right and more vegetables in meals makes you strong. Vegetables and fruits can lower blood pressure, reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke. Some vegetables can also prevent some types of cancer, lower the risk for eye and digestive problems, as well as have a positive effect on your blood sugar.
Avoid eating salty and high-cholesterol food. Too much sugar intake is also bad for your health. Too many cakes and ice cream lead to diabetes and harm your kidney.
Be physically active
Being a couch potato is bad for your health. Take time for a short exercise. Stretch your arms and legs. Make sure you sweat. Sweating is good for your body. While sweating our skin releases a certain toxin, like alcohol that help our body detoxify.
Being active helps eliminate the salt from your body that can prevent kidney stones from forming.
Regular exercise can also help reduce your risk of a heart attack and manage your weight better, lower your blood cholesterol level, help manage your blood pressure, have stronger bones, muscles and joints and lower the risk of developing osteoporosis.
Stay hydrated
We are a tropical country, and the sun rays are too hot. Staying hydrated and drinking enough water is a must.
Water carries nutrients and oxygen to your cells. It also flushes bacteria from your bladder, aiding digestion, preventing constipation, normalizing blood pressure and stabilizing the heartbeat.
Being hydrated also improves your sleep, cognition and mood. Just limit sugared beverages like juices, soft drinks, and ice teas.
Take multivitamins
Taking vitamins can help strengthen your body. During this pandemic taking vitamins is a must. Vitamins are for prevention and not for a cure. Taking it every day will help boost your immunity.
The most common vitamins to take are Vitamin C – a strong antioxidant known for strengthening the immune system. Vitamins D and E boost immunity, too.
Get enough sleep
Better sleep is equal to a better mood. A lack of sleep can have a big impact on your health. Experts say you should aim to get between seven and eight hours of sleep at night.
Sleeping can help boost your immune system. When your body is at rest and shut down, your immune cells and proteins also get the rest they need for whatever comes their way. Also, sleeping helps vaccines become more effective.
A consistent sleep of seven to eight hours a night is what’s recommended for adults. This will help them become alert and more focused, and make them less moody and less tired.
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Cheryl Luis is the wife of George N. True II. Like her husband, she advocates health and lifestyle writing and vows to continue “Health Frontiers” as her husband’s legacy./PN
