10 Steps To Perfect Health | Healthy Living slideshows | Well Being center

Run, run, run and stay fit!

The most obvious benefit from exercise is weight lose or weight control. But apart from that, regular physical activity can help you in several aspects of your life. First of all, exercise makes you feel happy thanks to the release of brain chemicals related to pleasure. Also, it reduces the risk of heart disease and stroke by lowering cholesterol levels and controlling blood pressure. Physical activity keeps your muscles strong, as well as your heart and lungs working properly. If you have trouble sleeping, a good work out session will help you sleep better. Finally, apart from filling you with energy, exercise can boost your self-confidence and improve your sex life.

Sources & Links

Important notification about information and brand names used in this slideshow!
Photo courtesy of adifansnet by Flickr : www.flickr.com/photos/adifans/5049974708
www.top10homeremedies.com/news-facts/top-10-secrets-people-never-get-sick.html
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/exercise/HQ01676/NSECTIONGROUP=2

Be a child again and smile

Sometimes we are worried about so many things, like money, work, having expensive things, what people could think about us… We have to remember how to be kids again and just enjoy the simple things in life. This may sound a bit corny, but it is true that, after taking just a few minutes to look at the sky, or feel the warmth of the sun, or listen to a nice jazz song, we can simply feel refreshed and completely calmed. Be aware of your body and don’t take anything for granted. By doing this, you will improve the way you see yourself and others, as well as everything that surrounds you, and you’ll be one step closer to a healthier and happier lifestyle.

Sources & Links

Important notification about information and brand names used in this slideshow!
Photo courtesy of Maximilian Mann by Flickr : www.flickr.com/photos/maximilianmann/3636632868/
psychcentral.com/blog/archives/2013/07/19/enjoying-the-little-things-in-life/
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jacob-sokol-/things-happy-people-do_b_3869793.html

Enjoy time with your family and friends

We are social beings by nature. It is in our blood to be surrounded by people, especially by those who are special to us. Family and friends are always a great support, either in happy or not so happy moments. Feeling alone can lead to low-self esteem issues and depression, affecting other aspects of our lives. To keep our health, especially our mind health, being in touch with our loved ones really makes a difference. Plan a small gathering every now and then to just relax and have a meal with your family, or your closest friends. Even a short email can make you feel better and happy.

Sources & Links

Important notification about information and brand names used in this slideshow!
Photo courtesy of Lloyd Morgan by Flickr : www.flickr.com/photos/lloydm/394463758/
www.mayoclinic.com/health/friendships/MH00125
http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/the-secret-of-happiness-family-friends-and-your-environment-2053053.html

Keep stress to a minimum

Stress is a natural and vital response from our body to dangerous or life threatening situations. The problem is that these situations have changed over the years, exposing us to chronic stress. Traffic, pollution, long working hours and financial problems, just to mention a few, can make us feel stressed and anxious, increasing our chances of getting sick. To reduce your stress levels, first you have to identify what’s causing it and make a plan on how to overcome this. Give yourself a break from work, traffic, and noise, and engage yourself in something you really enjoy, like exercising, reading or cooking. Sleep well, eat healthy, talk to people and get professional help if you think you need it.

Sources & Links

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Photo courtesy of stuartpilbrow by Flickr : www.flickr.com/photos/stuartpilbrow/3345896050/
www.apa.org/helpcenter/stress.aspx

Fruits and veggies, yum!

When we hear the words vegetables and fruits, our brain automatically thinks of lack of taste and boring meals, but we couldn’t be more wrong. These two food groups have the perfect combination of natural fibre and sugars, vitamins and minerals that our body needs. The secret when incorporating fruits and vegetables into our diet is color. If you include a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, your meals will not only be colorful and interesting, but full of nutrients. You will rapidly feel the benefits of a diet rich in veggies and fruits; your skin and hair will look brighter, your blood pressure will be under control, your digestive problems will gradually disappear, and you will be preventing heart diseases, cancer and neurodegeneration, by just enjoying the great flavor of a strawberry, or a Mediterranean salad.

Sources & Links

Important notification about information and brand names used in this slideshow!
Photo courtesy of Kathy McGraw by Flickr : www.flickr.com/photos/4blogs/4844221276/
www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/what-should-you-eat/vegetables-and-fruits/

Feeling and smelling good

According to the World Health Organization, hygiene refers to practices and conditions that help maintain health and prevent disease. In simpler words, poor hygienic conditions can promote the spread of diseases, putting your health and everybody else’s in hazard. Very basic hygiene practices, like brushing your teeth, taking showers, changing clothes, keeping your house and workplace clean, separating the organics from the general waste, and other practices, can help in keeping away illnesses. Personal hygiene is really important, especially during puberty, due to all the hormonal changes that kids go through during this stage. Hygiene should be a priority for you and your family to stay healthy.

Sources & Links

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Photo courtesy of Sean Winters by Flickr : www.flickr.com/photos/theseanster93/485390997/
www.who.int/topics/hygiene/en/
http://kidshealth.org/teen/your_body/take_care/hygiene_basics.html

Give yourself a proper break and... sleep!

Our body is an amazing piece of work and can survive under very difficult conditions, including lack of sleep and rest. However, with time, these excesses take the toll in a way that our body is more vulnerable to injury and diseases. Rest and sleep should be taken very seriously, as it is the main way our body can recover from the daily hazards that threaten it, including stress, pollution and diseases. Eight hours of sleep everyday, and short periods of rest during the day will work like magic. You will feel energized, more alert and your stress levels will decrease.

Sources & Links

Important notification about information and brand names used in this slideshow!
Photo courtesy of RelaxingMusic by Flickr : www.flickr.com/photos/83905817@N08/7676609696
www.health.harvard.edu/press_releases/importance_of_sleep_and_health
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-1313812/Why-rest-good-sleep-long-dont-just-slob-TV.html

Keep your cells hydrated

More than 50% of our body weight is water. This vital liquid is present in all of our cells and is required for their proper functioning. This is the main reason why we always have to keep our body hydrated. Water also helps in keeping the heart pumping blood and in clearing our body from waste and toxic substances. In general, we need to drink from 6 to 8 glasses of water, everyday; but the amount of water you need also depends on the type of physical activity you do, the temperature of the place where you live, and your diet.

Sources & Links

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Photo courtesy of David Joyce by Flickr : www.flickr.com/photos/deapeajay/2910767628/
www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/More/MyHeartandStrokeNews/Staying-Hydrated---Staying-Healthy_UCM_441180_Article.jsp
POPKIN, B. M., D'ANCI, K. E. & ROSENBERG, I. H. 2010. Water, hydration, and health. Nutr Rev, 68, 439-58.

Healthy food to pamper your mind and body

Eating healthy doesn’t mean depriving yourself and eating lettuce and carrots all day. It is mostly following a healthier life style by eating a bit of everything, not letting your body starve, and reducing food portions. It is important to start by making small changes into your diet; for example, add more greens and fruits into your meals, or replace sodas and coffee for water. Eating 4 or 5 small meals a day will help in keeping your metabolism active; and remember, don’t skip breakfast. Keep your meals simple and instead of counting calories, make sure they contain portions of protein, good carbs and good fats, veggies, fruits and whole grains. Drink plenty of water, and reduce the amount of sugar and salt.

Sources & Links

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Photo courtesy of Simon Lee by Flickr : www.flickr.com/photos/aphexlee/3847793117/
www.helpguide.org/life/healthy_eating_diet.htm

Too acidic? Control your pH

pH tells us how alkaline or acidic a solution is. Our cells and their surroundings tend to have a slightly alkaline pH of 7.4, 7 being neutral. If the pH varies too much, it can damage our cells, since their components are not made to function in very acidic or very basic environments. But, how can our pH be disturbed? The food we eat can make our pH reach acidic levels. Animal and dairy products, processed foods rich in white flour and sugar, as well as beverages such as coffee and sodas, promote the production of acids in our body and create an imbalance in our pH. The solution to this is very simple: reduce the intake of acidic foods and start replacing them for chicken, fish, veggies, fruits and grains.