Health Care
Sometimes a small change, like going to bed a little earlier, can make a big difference. As the disease progresses, however, his or her ability to handle daily tasks will dwindle. Consider practical tips to help your loved one maintain a sense of independence and dignity as he or she becomes more dependent on you or other caregivers. If you would like to enjoy better health and a stronger body, there are several things you can do each day that will take little time but render great results.
Whatever your needs, you’ll find help here with research-based information and practical tips that can help you and your family start living a healthier, more rewarding life.
Drink pure water
Whether you drink water from a well or the city pipeline, find out whether it is safe and wholesome. The county health department can issue a simple test that will find out if your water contains contaminants like mercury or lead, pollution from local industry, runoff from farmlands, or bacteria and viruses that can cause illness. Even if your water contains only a small amount of these things, over time they can build up in your body to create health problems. If your water is harmful, get a home faucet purifier that will purify drinking and cooking water for about a month or two, depending on the number of people using it.
Eat healthy
Try to get two fruits and three vegetables daily as a minimum plan; opt for 4 fruits and five veggies as you get used to a plant-based diet. Fresh is better, although processed or cooked foods may suffice. Reduce the amount of fat that you eat and increase fiber intake. Avoid fast food, and when dining in restaurants, take half your ample-sized meal home for the next day. Include lots of deeply-colored produce, like blueberries, red peppers, tomatoes, and broccoli.
Exercise daily
Even thirty minutes of activity several times a week can slow the aging process and help to protect your body against numerous illnesses, including heart disease and cancer. When you are sitting in front of the television, tap your feet to keep moving or lift your feet to knee level and lower them several times to improve circulation in your legs. While talking on the telephone, you can pace back and forth to expend calories.
Brush up on hygiene
Many people don’t know how to brush their teeth properly. Improper brushing can cause as much damage to the teeth and gums as not brushing at all. Lots of people don’t brush for long enough, don’t floss and don’t see a dentist regularly. Hold your toothbrush in the same way that would hold a pencil, and brush for at least two minutes.
Deal with stress
Be aware of what triggers your stress and how you react. You may be able to avoid some of the triggers and learn to prepare for or manage others. Stress is a part of life and affects people in different ways. It only becomes a problem when it makes you feel uncomfortable or distressed. A balanced lifestyle can help you manage stress better. If you have trouble winding down, you may find that relaxation breathing, yoga or meditation can help.
Daily Health Care
Keep in touch
Call a relative or friend to gab on the phone a few minutes each day. Or email someone a couple times weekly to share news or ideas. Medical studies show that people who are connected to other folks are more likely to get healthy and stay well than those who live the life of a loner. Write a note or send a card to let someone know you care, and you may receive some, too.
