Living a Healthy Lifestyle: Tips & Tricks

HEALTHY LIFE TIPS

INTRODUCTION
Patient forms the basis of the provision of health care, thus there is a need to empower
patients with the right information about how to live a healthy lifestyle to prevent various
diseases as prevention is better than cure.
Here we remind patients of various health tips on how to live a healthy life, make
informed decisions on their health, and also to make access to health education a
fundamental right.

WHAT DO I NEED TO EAT TO HAVE A HEALTHY DIET?
 Do reduce your sugar intake, and eat simple carbohydrates, Tran’s fats, and
saturated fats.
 Do eat enough fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
 Eat together as a family—share mealtime with the people you define as family.
 If you have a medical condition that requires a special diet, be sure to follow it
like diabetes and hypertension.
 If you’re above 50 years of age, always consider taking calcium and vitamin D.
 If you’re pregnant (or thinking of becoming pregnant), take preconception
vitamins and folic acid-rich foods.

WHAT EXTENT OF EXERCISE AND SLEEP SHOULD I TRY TO GET?
 Do 30 to 60 minutes of exercise suitable for your age and medical condition at
least thrice a week.
 Walk frequently—and take the stairs.
 Get at least 6 to 10 hours of sleep every day.
 Keep your sleep schedule as regular as possible.

HOW CAN I TRY TO AVOID GETTING SICK?
 Wash your hands before eating and cooking.
 Store, prepare and cook foods (especially flesh foods like meat) appropriately.
 Drink only clean or treated water.
 Wash minor injuries with soap and water and keep them covered.
 Use appropriate protective and preventive measures like insect repellent when
mosquito or tick exposure is likely.
 Practice safe sex always.
 Always obey the national health guidelines on infection prevention and control

HOW CAN I TRY TO AVOID GETTING INJURED?
 Wear a seatbelt; and helmet while traveling.
 Don’t operate machines like vehicles while drunk, overly sleepy, or distracted.
 Wear a life vest while swimming, don’t dive into shallow water, and learn to swim.
 Store and handle firearms safely.
 Set up a safe home – make indoors and outdoors safe for children and older
adults and have working smoke and carbon monoxide sensors.

HOW DO I KEEP MY MIND HEALTHY?
 Keep your mind active—do word Sudoku, read, and play cards.
 If you feel stressed out, tell a loved one or a health care provider.
 Limit screen time—spend the remaining extra time socializing or going for a walk.
 Don’t drink alcohol
 Don’t take medications that aren’t intended to treat a medical problem. Ask for
help If you suppose you have a drug problem,
 Consider building healthy relationships. If you’re in an unhealthy relationship, however, healthcare providers or local organizations can help you.

WHAT OTHER HEALTHY CHOICES SHOULD I MAKE?
 Avoid smoking (and if you do smoke, don’t smoke in bed).
 Ensure that you always brush your teeth at least twice a day and see a dentist on
a regular basis for cleaning and examination of the teeth.
 Be conservative about sun exposure and wear sunscreen.
 See a healthcare provider regularly (annually) for screenings of various diseases
and vaccinations