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.