It doesn’t matter if you’re old or young, male or female, are living with a medical condition or have a clean bill of health, there will be many ways you can improve your lifestyle.
A proactive mindset can help you to effectively care for your physical and mental health, which could add years onto your life. If you want to ensure you live to a grand old age, read the five ways to take control of your health.
- Book an Appointment with Your Doctor
General health maintenance will allow you to care for your mind and body effectively. Book a monthly medical examination with your doctor, who can check your blood pressure, heart rate, and assess your risks for various diseases. It will also provide an opportunity for you to discuss your health goals with a doctor, such as losing weight, diabetes management, or lowering your blood pressure.
- Seek Help
Sadly, many people might be living with a medical condition they do not want to confront head-on – or perhaps they do not have the mental health to see the issues clearly. However, doing so could be the difference between a swift recovery or severe or fatal repercussions. If you’re unaware of a health issue, such as an addiction or eating disorder, you can guarantee your body will be harder to heal, as well as your mental state.
You need to find the support you need to get on the path to recovery. For example, if you are living with a drug or alcohol addiction, check in to a reputable drug rehab center.
- Get Enough Sleep
Sleep deprivation cannot only drain your energy levels, but it will also reduce your focus, creativity, and productivity. What’s more, a lack of sleep can lead to a low mood and long-term health issues, such as depression or obesity. Don’t allow your health to decline and ensure you enjoy enough sleep each night.
For example, adults between the ages of 18 to 64 will need between seven to nine hours of sleep per night. While those 65 or older will require seven to eight hours each night. To help you drift off, make sure your room is cool, quiet, and dark, and avoid caffeine several hours before your bedtime. You should also go to bed and wake up at the same time every day to develop an effective sleeping routine.
- Schedule an Annual Eye Examination
Eye examinations cannot only detect visual impairments, but they can also spot early symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, and hypertension. An annual checkup will also ensure you receive the right visual aids, such as glasses or contact lenses, which will match your prescription. This can prevent the development of eye strain and headaches.
- Routinely Visit Your Dentist
Similar to your vision, a dental examination can detect a disease before other symptoms appear. For example, a dentist might spot the signs of various non-dental medical issues, such as diabetes, oral cancer, stress, HIV, osteoporosis, and poor nutrition. It doesn’t matter if your mouth appears clean, fresh and problem-free, you must routinely visit a dentist to review your oral health.