Whole forests have been felled to fill libraries all over the world with health related advice. Websites galore with articles by the gazillion overwhelm us with information, often confusing, sometimes contradictory, but are we any the wiser? We still get sick. More and more of us succumb to chronic conditions, so either we don’t read it, we don’t get it, we ignore it, or it’s all too much so we just give up.
Too much information can be counterproductive, yet the real messages about preventing many health problems can be condensed into just a few words.
- Prevent obesity – Eat less, move more
- Prevent arthritis – Move it or lose it
- Prevent osteoporosis – Enough dietary calcium, enough sunlight, weight-bearing exercise
- Prevent lung cancer – Stop smoking anything
- Prevent many mental illnesses – Avoid illegal drugs. Deal with stress. Stay positive
- Prevent skin cancers and melanomas – Sunlight is good. Sunburn is bad
- Prevent STDs (sexually transmitted diseases) – Carry a condom
An Overall Recipe For Good Health
The recipe to give yourself the best chance of avoiding heart disease, stroke, diabetes, many cancers and most other chronic conditions, is basically the same
- Eat sensibly, a variety of fresh, wholesome foods, avoid high fat and junk foods
- Exercise – Keep active, keep moving
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Be well informed and make informed choices. Filter everything through your own commonsense
- Regular check-ups
- No smoking or drugs. Moderate alcohol. Plenty of water
- Adequate safe levels of sunlight
- Stay physically and socially active
- Adequate rest and sleep
- Avoid chemicals and other pollutants in food, air and water
- Stay positive. Be cheerful
The body has a powerful and innate capacity to heal itself and strives always for homeostasis. It is important to aid and support the body in this process, not assume control over its function. Education is important, but that education alone is not sufficient to change behaviours long term in chronic illness. Support is essential. People are equipped with resources for healing that are best mobilised by communication and supportive human caring, rather than a detached scientific approach.
Positive and Healthy Ageing
Ageing is a normal process. It is not meant to be (and does not have to be), a gradual slide down into chronic illness, degenerative diseases, depression, loss of mobility, and a slow, painful road to death. Good health can be enjoyed ALL of one’s life. Health is a dynamic state, not just the absence of dis-ease. Age has more to do with health and attitude than with years. We should expect to grow old happily, but if we plan to live a long life, we need to stay healthy.
No time for your health today – no health for your time tomorrow – Old Irish saying.
And always remember that growing old is better than the alternative.
Further Reading
Living a Healthy Life With Chronic Conditions (3rd edition) by Lorig, Holman, Sobel, Laurent, González and Minor (2006)
Lorig, Kate, The Arthritis Helpbook, Da Capo, 2006
Disclaimer: This is not meant to replace medical advice, merely as complementary advice. Always check with your doctor.
Heather Donaldson - Heather Donaldson is a writer, a registered nurse with a diploma in nutrition, an interest in natural medicine, animals and environment.
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