Keeping Yourself ‘Well, regular circle of good Habits of Food, Dental Care, Bathing
Many of us never worry about our health until we are in danger of losing it. Then we are willing to pay any price, pouring out the savings of a lifetime in a vain attempt to try to win it back again. Our health is our greatest possession. Why should we throw it away through ignorance? There is no substitute for good health. We must take care of it while we have it. Our whole future depends upon our maintaining a sound mind in a healthy body.
Hospitals all over the world are filled with people who have disregarded the laws of health. Some may not have realized their danger. Others knew but did not care. They evidently thought that they could dodge the consequences. Perhaps they did for a while. But eventually even the strongest constitution will break if we continue to disregard the laws of health.
Many a chronic invalid might have enjoyed good health all through his life if he had only known how to keep well. Instead of living a happy life, free from sickness, he has become a burden to himself and perhaps to the community as well. Prevention is always far better than cure. Knowing how to live will keep us out of trouble. It will enable us to live out our years in peace and contentment, free from unnecessary pain and illness. (more…)
The Facts: Life-style and fat Control
The first step in fat control is establishing realistic goals.
Too many teens and adults, both men and women, establish unrealistic goals for their physical appearance. Fat weight, and body proportions are all factors that can be changed, but people often set standards for themselves that will be difficult, if not impossible, to achieve. It is important that goals be set for fat and weight control that can be accomplished for both the short term and the long haul. This necessitates developing an understanding of your own body proportions as well as your body fatness. Unrealistic goals may result in eating disorders (see Concept 20), failure to meet goals, or the failure to maintain fat loss over the long haul. The measurement procedures used in Labs 13A and 13B should help you establish realistic goals.
Goals that emphasize the behavior of eating less and exercising more are more effective than those emphasizing a specific outcome such as weight or fat lost (or gained).
Be Proud and Be Yourself, Specific Healthy Life Styles Part 2
Seeking and Complying with Medical Advice
Some people purposely avoid seeking the advice of a physician because they fear that something may be wrong. This occurs in spite of the evidence that delay in treatment greatly increases the risk of death for many diseases that can be cured or controlled. In addition to medical readiness exams for those beginning exercise (see Concept 4), regular preventive medical exams are important. After age forty, a yearly preventive exam is recommended for all people. Young adults probably need a regular medical examination less often, but a regular examination is important for all people to help in the early diagnosis of problems. Regular self- examination for breast (females) and testicular (males) cancer are recommended, as are periodic mammograms and PAP tests for females (especially after age forty), and a prostate test for males. Other important behaviors that should be considered are listed as follows:
Be Proud and Be Yourself, Specific Healthy Life Styles Part 1
There are many different positive life-styles that can contribute to optimal health and wellness.
Life-styles are behaviors that are partially or totally in your own control. Some healthy life-styles are listed in the following. Only those considered to be very important to optimal health will be discussed in this concept.
Exercising Regularly
As noted throughout this book and particularly in Concept 3, regular exercise is associated with the reduced risk of many different diseases. Regular physical activity is a positive addiction. It is habit-forming but the result of the habit is positive, not negative. Regular exercise can be fun and can improve the quality of life. It is interesting to note the fact that people who exercise regularly are likely to adopt other healthy lifestyles. For example, regular exercisers are more likely to visit a physician for preventive examinations, practice preventive dentistry, and wear seat belts than sedentary individuals. (more…)
Massage Alternative Therapy
Massage is definitely one of the most common forms of alternative therapy. There are various techniques and strokes, different pressures and approaches taken, but the common link many massage techniques offer is that it is relaxing and usually uses essential oils blended in a vegetable carrier oil as a form of lubrication.
The most common types of body massage include Swedish (rhythmical and flowing), sports (including deep tissue massage and stretching), remedial (including trigger points and some exercises), shiatsu (using pressure points) and aromatherapy massage (using lymphatic massage). Many massage techniques can work in conjunction with other forms of therapy, but like a lot of alternative therapies should not replace medical advice or treatment.
A good full-body massage is the ultimate in self-care. Regular massage tretments are like taking your car for regular tune-ups. They are a fantastic way to switch off, release tension and promote better sleep. If you are a busy person with a very full-on life, regular massage is a necessity for you!
The art of healing through touch has been around for thousands of years, and in many different cultures. Regular massage is thought to reduce stress levels considerably, thereby improving physical conditions such as high blood pressure, fatigue, poor circulation, poor immunity, insomnia and lack of energy. While massage can be extremely beneficial, it may not be suitable for people with cancer, varicose veins, skin infections, eczema, dermatitis, fever and colds and flu.
