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Simple Health Tips We Should Take Seriously
Let’s face it; we could all lead healthier lives. Here are a few tips that we should take seriously to ensure we’re healthy now and in the future.
Lay Off The Salt
Our bodies have a natural need for sodium; it helps our bodies maintain the right balance of fluids, transmit nerve impulses, and plays a part in the relaxation and contraction of our muscles. However, according to the Mayo Clinic, the average American consumes 3,400 mg of salt every day. This is well over the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans’ recommendations, which recommend that those under 51 consume less than 2,300 mg and those 51 years old and older consume less than 1,500 mg per day. Excess salt can cause health problems over time, which makes it imperative to watch the levels we consume. Our kidneys filter the salt we intake; if our bodies need salt, our kidneys retain it and if we don’t, they dispose of it. When our kidneys are unable to dispose of excess salt, health problems like “heart disease, stroke, kidney disease and congestive heart failure” (Mayo Clinic) can develop. Salt is commonly found in excess in fast food and processed foods, like pizza, bread, bacon, cheese, etc. Taking steps to eliminate some of these foods from your diet would be beneficial to your health both now and later.
Take the Time to Get Exercise
The Mayo Clinic recommends getting at least 30 minutes of physical activity per day. Exercise doesn’t
have to be what you think it is. Taking your dog for a longer-than-normal walk, walking to the grocery
store instead of driving, washing your car, taking the stairs whenever you can, etc. are all ways to
engage in physical activity; really any activity that gets your heart rate above your “at rest” heart rate
will be beneficial to your health. Given that one-third of Americans are obese, physical activity is not
something we should skimp on when it comes to our health.
Wear Sunglasses
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, UV radiation has the capacity to damage not only
our eyes, but “surface tissues and internal structures, such as the cornea and lens.” Over an extended
period of time, exposure can lead to:
- Cataracts (22.3 million Americans have cataracts);
- Skin cancer around the eyelids;
- “Pterygium: An abnormal, but usually non-cancerous, growth in the corner of the eye. It can
- grow over the cornea, partially blocking vision, and may require surgery to be removed;” and
- Other eye disorders.
Over a short period of time, UV radiation “can burn the front surface of the eye, similar to sunburn on
the skin.” Thus, it is imperative that you wear sunglasses when outside to not only protect your eyes,
but the skin surrounding them.
Wear Sunscreen
Sunscreen is imperative to your skin’s health and is something that should be worn every day. Apart
from keeping you looking younger, longer, sunscreen protects your skin from UV radiation, and can
help prevent skin cancer. According to the EPA, “It is estimated that 90 percent of non-melanoma
skin cancers and 65 percent of melanoma skin cancers are associated with exposure to ultraviolet (UV)
radiation form the sun.” This says a lot considering that one million Americans are diagnosed with skin
cancer every year. Ask any dermatologist and they’ll say that the most important thing you can do for
your skin is wear sunscreen. According to the EPA, getting a tan or any change in the color of your skin
is skin damage. Wear sunscreen and wear it every day, even if it’s cloudy out or you won’t be in the
sun; it’s been said that fluorescent light bulbs, the type found in many office buildings, also emit skin-
damaging rays, which demonstrates just how important it is to even wear sunscreen when indoors.
Drink Water
Making up 60 percent of our bodies, water is the most abundant chemical in found in humans. Because
we lose water daily through our various bodily functions, it is imperative that we replenish our bodies
by making sure we consume enough water each day. The Mayo Clinic recommends that men consume
13 cups and women 9 cups of fluids every day; but keep in mind that we consume liquids when we eat
as well, so this recommendation doesn’t necessarily mean chugging tons of water. Additionally, water
helps:
- You lose weight;
- Your heart remain healthy;
- Your energy levels;
- Keep your skin healthy;
- Your digestive system;
- Flush out toxins and waste;
- Cleanse your body.
Alexis Tate is a writer offering us a guest post about the negative consequences both regular
and diet soda can have on our health. As a writer, Alexis writes on a variety of topics, but her
passion lies in law. After realizing that lawyers represent themselves falsely to citizens in need
of legal help, Alexis began writing educational articles to help citizens find good car accident injury
attorneys
