We all seem to worry incessantly about the illnesses that affect more and more people every day, and worry we should, but the reality is that we have more power over our health than we imagine. It is true that we may not be able to avoid being infected with a contagious disease, having an accident, or developing an autoimmune disease or cancer; but it is also true that the combination of a strong, well nourished and energized body and a calm, focused and agile mind puts the balance well in our favor.
1.- Learn how to manage stress
Stress and anxiety are natural. They are part of our defense mechanism and they exist for a reason, specifically so that our body can be alert to an imminent danger or threat. However, excessive, chronic, stress caused by modern life or unresolved personal issues is anything but natural. Each one of us must find the tools to help us manage anxiety in the best way. It’s a fact that many diseases are directly related to a chronic nervous state and it is of utmost importance to learn to manage it. Developing objectivity and calmness through exercise, spiritual practices or professional psychological help can make the difference between health and sickness.
2.- Eat a healthy diet
We have said it endlessly. The obesity epidemic is the most serious disease humanity has ever faced and this is by no means an exaggeration; reality strikes us everywhere and global statistics do not lie. If society, government and companies do not make bolder moves, we will have a sick country and a sick world very soon. Obesity has multiple causes (an oversupply of “addictive” junk food is one of the most prevalent), but fortunately it is reversible if we act promptly; but the solution does not lie in the sheer will of a person, professional support is necessary to understand the causes and to learn to navigate through a world that seems to conspire against us.
3.- Exercise
The importance of physical activity cannot be overstated. The human body was designed for doing things; for running, walking, climbing, lifting and reaching, not for sitting in front of a screen for hours. In addition to keeping us strong and making us less prone to injuries and accidents, exercise has multiple benefits, including helping us sleep better, improving our mood and keeping our weight in check.
4.- Quitting smoking
The link between smoking and diseases like lung cancer, emphysema and heart disease is well known; tobacco also causes low birth weight in infants whose mothers smoked during pregnancy, and it can affect the gut. But billions of dollars had to be spent and the tobacco industry taken to court in order for the link (that now seems obvious) to be recognized, along with the acceptance of nicotine as an addictive substance. Smoking is toxic to the body and quitting is important if you wish to live longer and better. Seeking professional help and working on a clear strategy to quit is very important.
5.- Feed your mind and soul
A hollow spirit soon begins to take its toll on mind and body. Spiritual practice need not be religious, nor strict, that is a personal decision, but paying attention to our emotions, having moments of quiet reflection, helping others and developing our consciousness is not only good for our own health, it also benefits those around us!
On the other hand, the mind is like a muscle, if we don’t exercise it, it will weaken. Developing the habit of reading, learning a new language, playing chess or Sudoku, taking a class, having a hobby that challenges your skill and precision, or playing a musical instrument will keep your brain active, working, healthy and young.
Engage in these five tips and find a way to incorporate them into your life, they will not only help you achieve a healthy weight, it will also keep many modern day diseases at bay. In LIMARP draw inspiration from giving our patients the opportunity to live a full and healthy life; and we know that this cannot be achieved by surgery alone, so we have developed a program that motivates them and guides them so they can implement these and other changes to their new reality.
Remember, our team is at your service and we can help. For a free evaluation call LIMARP International Center of Excellence for Obesity at (664) 686-2542 or fill out a contact form at www.limarp.com
