Your body is forever changing, even as you age. Our bodies are in a constant state of renewal, both inside and out, and as we get older, the cells in our internal organs become less efficient. Although you can slow down your body’s natural aging process by exercising, eating right, and maintaining a healthy weight, we cannot stop the inevitable.
However, there are several things you can do to keep your body in optimal shape.
Stay hydrated
Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are serious conditions that can result in hospitalization or death. They’re caused by too much heat damaging the body’s cells and organs. It is less severe; symptoms include dizziness, nausea, headache, muscle cramps, and weakness. Heat stroke is the most severe form; symptoms are more severe and include confusion, seizures, loss of consciousness, and a fast heart rate. Heat exhaustion and heat stroke can develop quickly, and without symptoms, so it’s important to be aware of the signs of these conditions.
Eat a balanced diet.
It’s a well-known fact that junk food is bad for you. Yet, for so many people, a diet that’s too high in protein, fat, and carbohydrates is the last thing they want to do. It’s understandable why the idea of giving up your favorite foods can be scary, especially since diets often seem restrictive. But staying away from junk food in favor of healthier options is the only way to lose weight. Not only that, but learning moderation and a balanced diet is the key to staying in shape.
Exercise consistently
It seems like it’s become the new national mantra—exercise more. But how many of us actually do it consistently? And if we do, how many of us do it regularly? The benefits of exercise are numerous. Regular exercise can lower the risk of chronic disease, improve mood and sleep, lower stress and body weight, and reduce the risk of injury. And you don’t have to be an elite athlete to reap the rewards of exercise; you can start with walking. Walking is a great, low-impact form of exercise with many health benefits.
Be careful with supplements and over-the-counter medications.
We all want to feel our best, and many of us use supplements, over-the-counter medications, and vitamins to help us meet our goals. But be sure to read the label before taking any supplement, even if you need the supplement to improve your health. Over-the-counter medicine contains ingredients that aren’t evaluated for safety or effectiveness by the government, and this can leave consumers at risk of accidental overdose and adverse side effects. Supplements and over-the-counter medications are marketed as the tools to get you healthy, but the reality is most of them are just a waste of money. The Federal Trade Commission estimates that Americans waste billions of dollars annually on products that don’t work.
Don’t smoke and drink alcohol.
Some people smoke and drink. Also, some people smoke and drink alcohol. However, not all people who smoke do both. However, some people believe the two are related. It is common knowledge that smoking causes cancer, emphysema, and heart disease, but some people believe drinking alcohol causes cancer. According to a 2009 Journal of the American Medical Association study, people who smoke cigarettes and drink heavily increase their risk of developing lung cancer and other forms of cancer. Smoking and drinking alcohol have many health consequences and should be avoided. Smoking is a leading cause of preventable death; it has been linked in studies to an increased risk of some cancer, heart disease, emphysema, and stroke. Alcohol consumption has also been linked to an increased risk of certain cancers, heart disease, liver disease, stroke, and pancreatitis.
Keep blood sugar controlled.
Diabetes and hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, are serious problems that can affect anyone. But the fact is that both diabetes and its symptoms can be managed. And, believe it or not, it is actually preventable; whether it’s diabetes or hypoglycemia, taking steps to keep your blood sugar under control is important since high blood sugar levels can cause damage to many parts of the body. Keeping your blood sugar under control also helps prevent or treat other serious health problems like heart disease and stroke.
