Are You Dooming Your Long-term Health By Making These Common Self-care Mistakes?

You know the basics, and try to take care of yourself. You don’t smoke, watch your weight and try to walk more. When it comes to healthy living, you think you have got it covered. But it may not be that simple. Even people who think they are healthy may be making some common self-care mistakes that can affect their long-term health.

Even Healthy People Make Mistakes

Although you think you’re going a good job of taking care of yourself, are you doing it all right?  Even people who are concerned about their health don’t always make all the right choices. But understanding what you are doing wrong can help you make better choices in the future.  Below are a few common health mistakes even smart people make.

Not finding ways to relax: You know you need a little downtime to relax, but with all the responsibilities you have it can be difficult to make it happen. A little stress may not hurt you, but if you rarely relax, stress can become chronic, which can contribute to several health problems, including high blood pressure and depression.   

Taking too many over the counter pain meds: If you pop a pill for aches and pains every so often, you’re probably not going to cause a lot of problems. But people who regularly take too many over the counter pain relievers may be affecting their long-term health. Too much OTC pain medication can lead to liver and kidney problems.

Forgoing sleep: In today’s fast-paced world, getting enough sleep is often not a priority. There is so much to do and only so many hours in a day. So what gives? Usually, it’s the amount of shuteye you get each night. Although it can vary, most people need about seven hours of sleep each night. When you don’t get the sleep you need, it can affect mood, alertness and hormone levels.

Don’t make the common mistake of being reactive when it comes to your health. People who are reactive, wait until a problem develops then they deal with the situation.

Instead of being reactive, take charge of your health and be proactive. Being proactive can prevent illnesses from developing. One important way to take control of your health and be proactive is by knowing your numbers. For instance, it’s important to know what your blood pressure and cholesterol are so you can make the needed lifestyle changes.

READ Lifestyle Factors and Immunity: Exercise, Diet, Stress, Social Activity, Vitamins & Steroids

If you’re proactive, you need to also be an advocate for yourself. For example, consider getting a copy of your medical records. Reviewing your medical records can help you spot mistakes or things that were not discussed with your doctor. Having your records may also make transferring doctors easier. The prevalence of electronic medical records may make getting your own medical records easy. Keep in mind, policies for obtaining your medical records vary by healthcare facility.

Additionally, don’t be afraid to ask questions. If there is something about your condition or treatment you don’t understand, ask your health care provider to explain. After all, it’s your health and wellbeing at stake.

Inaction Also Affects Your Health

Health mistakes are not always things you do wrong, such as smoking or eating double bacon cheeseburgers five times a week. Mistakes also include things you are not doing.   

Primary Prevention Should be a Priority   

Some people have a lot of excuses for not paying as much attention to their health as they should. But neglecting primary prevention could have long-term health consequences.  

Primary prevention involves preventing the onset of disease. It is a lot less costly financially, emotionally and physically to prevent a disease than treat one. Although you probably know there are preventative measures you can take, you may put them off or not consider their importance. But what you’re not doing could hurt your health.  Consider some of the following mistakes you may be making:

Skipping routine health screenings:  Based on your age and gender, your doctor may recommend certain routine health screenings. Screenings, such as a Pap smear, colonoscopy and mammogram can be lifesaving. Make sure you understand which screenings you should be getting.

Neglecting your dental health: Your dental health is about more than just having a nice smile. Gum disease appears to be linked to other conditions, such as diabetes and heart disease. Getting regular cleanings and dental checkups may help prevent gum disease and possibly reduce your risk of serious health problems.

Delaying medical care: While you may not need to run to your healthcare provider for every little thing, if you have a problem and are putting off going to the doctor, you could be gambling with your health. Keep in mind, it’s always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to protecting your health.

Tips for Long-term Health

Good health is often something people take for granted. It’s not until you face a health crisis, you realize how much good health matters.

Although you cannot control everything that affects your health, there are things you can do to increase your chances of being healthy. For instance, try to stick to the basics, including getting regular exercise and eating a healthy diet including low-fat dairy, lean protein and fresh fruit and veggies. Cut out bad dietary habits, such as guzzling diet soda and snacking on sweets. If a diet overhaul seems intimidating, make a few changes at a time.

READ If People Made Simple Lifestyle Changes, One-Third Of Common Cancers Could Be Prevented

It’s also important to understand there is a connection between your mental health and your physical health. Don’t neglect your psychological wellbeing. It can have an impact on your overall health.

One of the best ways you can improve you psychological wellbeing is by taking care of yourself. Engage in healthy activities that make you feel peaceful, recharged and happy. For example, make time to socialize, volunteer, listen to music or just go for a walk.

Even if you avoid most health mistakes, it may be impossible to prevent getting sick. If you develop a serious illness, it’s important to get a second opinion.  Getting another opinion may help expand your treatment options, which is almost always a good idea. Different treatments may work better for certain people depending on their situation.