The noted Roman poet Virgil (70 BC-19 BC) once said that the greatest wealth is health. One of the most precious and probably the most neglected things in the life of an individual is his health. It often happens in the life of a human being that a things that most needs to be done gets the least attention. The same goes true with living. Most of us do not determine whether they are living or mere existing. Living or existing is not a matter of chance, it is a matter of choice. It is a well established fact that a man values a thing when he losses it. Those who lose their hairs desperately use different shampoos and tonics to avoid baldness. Those who age, use antibiotics and potency enhancers to remain young and energetic. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines health as “a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity,” which means that this perception goes beyond the subsistence or lack of subsistence of illnesses.
It is an irony that man relentlessly works at the cost of his health to earn wealth and later spends his wealth to regain his health. Most of us usually think of our health only when we loss it. Then the sad realization hits us hard that without our health, we have nothing and we are nothing.
Also read: Obesity epidemic in America – A growing concern
Healthy Lifestyle: One can enjoy his health for a longer period of time by adopting a lifestyle that suits his health-a healthy lifestyle. According to experts, to observe a healthy lifestyle, one need to eat healthy foods, add more fruits and vegetable and avoid carbohydrates, high sodium and unhealthy fat. One should even avoid eating junk foods and sweets. Even skipping a meal proves to be beneficial for making the body crave for more food the moment one starts eating. It is said that a healthy mind can only be flourished in a healthy body. Unhealthy living is no living at all. It is mere existing. A human being on this planet has the right to live not mere exist.
It is a fact, though difficult to believe, that less than three percent of American population have lifestyle that can be called healthy. It reflects the stark reality that most of the Americans do not know that they are living or existing. Analysts proclaim that 97 percent of Americans are unable to comply with ideal ‘healthy lifestyle’ criteria that can guard their hearts. The United States of America does not enjoy the title of being the healthiest nation in the world. That distinction, according to Bloomberg, goes to Singapore, followed by Italy, and Australia. The United States occupies 33rd place between the Czech Republic and Bosnia and Herzegovina according to new research published in the journal Mayo Clinic Proceedings (April 2016).
According to a survey commissioned by PR agency Ingredient Communication and conducted by market researchers Asia Opinions, Asian consumers are more interested in nutrition and healthy eating than westerners. Around 68% of Asian consumers being surveyed responded that they are very much interested in nutrition and healthy eating against 38% of the westerners. China has also experienced a sudden surge in its gyms and health-targeted restaurants due to growing interest in healthy living. The games and fitness industry is forecasted to augment more than threefold to $786 billion USD in 2025 (estimated at $236 billion USD in 2016). Even the Chinese government has initiated an ambitious health plan for the next 12 years. The “Healthy China 2030” plan warrants lofty goals such as getting people to take part in physical exercise regularly, and making 30% of the population health aware through education.
It goes without saying that healthy lifestyle makes a big difference. There are five areas which are of paramount importance for a healthy and happy life – Healthy diet, healthy physical activity level, healthy body weight, smoking, and moderate alcohol intake. A healthy lifestyle is something, which cannot be achieved overnight. It requires consistent will power and a lot of discipline. We have to stick to a well prepared plan based on healthy habits. It will enable our body and mind to be in a rhythm that will eventually become our second nature. Some of the habits, which have universal acceptability for a healthy lifestyle, are discussed below.
Physical exercise: Experts usually recommend that you should engage in physical exercise for 30 minutes a day. Walking is probably the simplest physical activity one can do irrespective of age and sex. Please save some octogenarian who cannot move without a support. This permits you to not only burn excess calories and solidify muscles and bones, but also helps to control blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood glucose levels. It also enables you to acquire a state of leisure, avoid mood variation, improve self-esteem, and attain a state of personal satisfaction.
Balanced diet: A balanced diet is defined as a diet that includes foods from five groups i.e. vegetables, fruits, grains, protein and dairy and satisfies all of a person’s nutritional needs. Consuming a balanced diet assists people maintain good health and reduce their risk of chronic disease. According to USDA – U.S. Department of Agriculture, half of a person’s plate should consist of fruits and vegetables. The other half should be made up of grains and protein.
Social activity: One of the measures of happy and healthy life of an individual is directly related to the quality of his social life. Social separation can lead to a measured and irretrievable decline of physical and mentalabilities, including physical disability and dementia. Being affable with others is necessary for you as an individual.
Mental balance: To consider it related with the mental illnesses only would be a myopic view. Mental balance refers to not only the state of mental issues, but also the states of emotional, psychological and intellectual well-being. Good mental health is nothing less than a panacea to maintain and harness productive abilities, social relations and for coping with the personal and professional challenges of daily life.
Exercise the mind: Mental exercise is also as important as physical exercise. Just as a car needs lubricant to move freely, our mind also needs lubricant in the shape of exercises that will enable it function efficiently.
Healthy sex: It has been proved through rigorous research that having sex is not only a pleasurable activity, but also good for your health. It is good for your cardiovascular health and emotional and psychological benefits. Needless to say, the importance of having safe sex cannot be overemphasized.
Get good quality sleep: One should always sleep like a baby for an adequate number of hours – at least 8 hours a night. This will help you rest and be energetic for the next day. Insomnia is responsible for high blood pressure, heart disease, metabolic and endocrine diseases.
From now on, commit yourself that you will cautiously assess whether you are living or mere existing. All aid and done, in the end, it is the living that matters instead of mere existing.
