Maintaining a healthy lifestyle not only includes following a healthy diet but also means taking care of your daily routine and living in a happy surrounding. It is also very important to take care of your mental health because everything that goes on in your body is controlled by the mind. Here are the five most important things to follow in order to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Also Read:World Food Day: Tips For A Healthy Diet To Stay Disease Free

Include a lot of vegetables and fruits in your diet. A healthy diet does not mean consuming only expensive organic food. A traditionalhome-cooked food also works best to maintain your overall health. With the easy availability of junk and processed foodin the market, one must avoid consuming these products toa large extent.

Consuming a lot of water throughoutwillkeep you healthy internally. For those who find it boring to drink plain water, you can try infusingfruits or vegetables like watermelon, berries and cucumber to give it a natural flavour. According to the Institute of the Medicine of National Academies, one must consume at least 2 litres of water and 2.7 to 3.7 litres of liquid per day, including all beverages.

Also Read:World Food Day: A List Of Famous Bohri Dishes Everyone Must Taste

Someone wise had once said, Take care of your mind it is the only place you have to live in. This is an affirmation one should follow every day. With our fast-paced lifestyle, we tend to be on our toes to keep up with this changing world. And thus, it is important to keep our minds healthy. Thiscan be achieved by indulging in any activity of your choice or following a hobby.

It is not every day that you will have a good day. Therewill be days when you have an extremely bad day. On days like these, socialize with your friends, spend time with your family orpartner. This will help you reduce your stress level. Also, ensure you get 7-8 hours of sleep daily.

Also Read:World Food Day: 6 Vegetarian Substitutes For Non-vegetarian Food

Exercise daily for at least an hour. Stretch your body to loosen up your muscles. Thiswill increase the blood flow in your body and increase metabolism. Go for a swim or a walk or play a sport to burn those calories to stay fit and active.

Also Read:Novak Djokovic Reveals Diet And Workout Routine On World Food Day

Read more:
Top 5 tips to follow for a healthy lifestyle - Republic World - Republic World

Anthem and the Regional YMCA of Western Connecticut unveiled a new mural at Morris Street Elementary School Thursday evening. Anthem provided the YMCA with a $25,000 grant to promote Go!-5-2-1-0. January 31, 2019, in Danbury, Conn.

Anthem and the Regional YMCA of Western Connecticut unveiled a new mural at Morris Street Elementary School Thursday evening. Anthem provided the YMCA with a $25,000 grant to promote Go!-5-2-1-0. January 31,

Photo: H John Voorhees III / Hearst Connecticut Media

Anthem and the Regional YMCA of Western Connecticut unveiled a new mural at Morris Street Elementary School Thursday evening. Anthem provided the YMCA with a $25,000 grant to promote Go!-5-2-1-0. January 31, 2019, in Danbury, Conn.

Anthem and the Regional YMCA of Western Connecticut unveiled a new mural at Morris Street Elementary School Thursday evening. Anthem provided the YMCA with a $25,000 grant to promote Go!-5-2-1-0. January 31,

Danbury event to promote healthy lifestyle

DANBURY Experts will promote healthy living at an event on Thursday evening.

The public will learn about the health and wellness programs in the community, including the new and existing family health care providers that accept all insurance, according to a flyer.

The session is from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday in Rogers Park Middle Schools cafeteria. The event is part of the Go! 5-2-1-0, a wellness message, which encourages students to make healthy choices.

Free dinner and a flu clinic will be provided.

The YMCA, the Coalition for Healthy Kids, Anthem Foundation, Danbury Public Schools and Connecticut Childrens Medical Center are sponsoring the event.

Read the original here:
Danbury event to promote healthy lifestyle - Danbury News Times

Constant progression in technology and living quality has also led to people becoming more informed and acquainted with better health and nutritional choices

October16, 20195 min read

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

You're reading Entrepreneur India, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media.

The health and nutritional sector in India has undergone a sea-change in the recent years and preventive healthcare is becoming the preferred norm as opposed to curative healthcare. Rise in education, technology and affluent lifestyle have all contributed to increased awareness levels across the Indian demographic landscape. But the rise in overall technology has also led to an increasingly mechanized and sedentary lifestyle thats devoid of physical workout and movement as modernity prefers getting things done at a mere push of a button. Such a lifestyle is an open invitation to diseases and health ailments such as hypertension, blood pressure and diabetes, among others.

But the good news is that constant progression in technology and living quality has also led to people becoming more informed and acquainted with better health and nutritional choices, thanks to the advent of smartphones, high-speed Internet and the omnipresent social media.

The digital penetration has opened up the hitherto closed and constricted Indian consumer from the tier II and tier III cities, to global lifestyles, tastes and aspirations. This means that the average Indian from a small town through his smartphone can avail the latest trends in the health and wellness sector and can match the global pace.

Compared with the eight major tier I cities, there are more than 3,100 tier II and tier III cities, and towns, and together they account for about 92% of the total urban population. Its no surprise that nutrition and wellness brands have identified and seek to cash in on this tremendous market opportunity.An increasing number of people from the tier II and III cities are getting under the cover of health insurance and general wellness schemes and modern health trends owing to the increased permeation of the Internet and smartphone technology. Such measures have led to the rise of conscientious consumerism.

People from tier II and tier III cities are opening up to well-informed choices when it comes to adopting a healthy lifestyle. A large percentage of the population from these cities and urban centres are choosing better and healthier alternatives by exposure to global trends and wellness standards via the Internet. State governments around India have increasingly initiated social welfare schemes, free health check-ups and medical camps and comprehensive health insurance policies that provide precious incentive to the tier II and tier III populace to adapt a healthier and wellness-centric way of living.

A huge number of health and wellness related programmes such as specific theme-based cooking shows hosted by recognizable celebrity chefs, a host of shows that educate viewers about the benefits of a healthy diet and a plethora of featured talk shows and discussion based events that spread awareness and knowledge among its viewers regarding what to eat and what not to eat are also making constant rounds. These are increasing in volume and capacity thanks to the multiplicity of specialized food and health based channels, culinary cook offs and wellness trivia shows that constitute daily public viewing through a host of media platforms such as television and Internet-enabled smartphones.

Since the people residing in the tier II and III towns and cities of India make for the majority of the urban population, it is not far from accurate to assume that their socio-political trends and biological tendencies outline the skeletal structure and framework for the country of India for the sake of a unified glance. Therefore if the people residing in the interior and non-metropolis regions of India shift towards embracing a healthier and more nutritional lifestyle, the country is definitely on the correct path traversing on the established roadmap towards achieving its health and wellness goals.

Health is essentially a state of absolute physical, mental, social and economic wellbeing on an individual and collective level and the state of a nation is directly proportional to the state of its majority population. Good health and proper nutrition is also infectious but in a desirable way as it spreads like a forest fire beyond geographical boundaries and rigors .The government sponsored initiatives and programmes that revolve around mainstreaming yoga, ayurveda , natural plant-based diets , anti-tobacco and anti-liquor campaigns are also diversified yet positive steps in the same direction.

As people increasingly tend to become more aware about what they put inside their bodies, the demand for health boosting products and nutritional supplements also tends to rise. A person becoming more knowledgeable means an improved choice-making when it comes to buying products for consumption basis.

A rise in demand for healthier and nutrition-based products in tier II and tier III cities also means an impetus for health-based companies and nutritional brands to develop their presence and start investing in those regions. This is not only good news for the social and biological health fabric of the small town India but also acts as a valuable stimulus for greater economic growth and development by contributing to the countrys GDP, improving the business market and creating job potential.

Read the original here:
India's Opportunity with the Rising Health and Nutritional Awareness in Tier II and Tier III Cities - Entrepreneur

We are well into breast cancer awareness month,and while its important to honor those who have lost their battle, its also important to talk about how to handle the hard journey of living with breast cancer.

We were joined by healthy lifestyle expert and founder of Pretty Wellness Caryn Sullivan, who has been on this journey herself. This is what Caryn hopes viewers take away from her segment:

There is hope going through cancer (or other hardship) is devastating, but you dont have to be devastated. This short guide and journal can hopefully help make that hard time a bit easier for the cancer patient, caregiver and friends.

Caryn was lucky and blessed to have three strangers fall into her life guiding her through the first few weeks of disease. Not everyone has that, so she wanted to share what she learned to hopefully eliminate some of the stress and help those touched by cancer.

Tips for Those Diagnosed:

Caryn was diagnosed at 31, three months after her wedding. It came out of left field and she remembers crying on day two thinking, Im supposed to be a newlywed. The nurse told her, even though she had cancer, she could be happy. She then chose to look at life that way. She would have ugly days, but always found a little something to bring her joy and happiness.

Caryn Sullivan is a two-time breast cancer survivor, living with stage IV disease. Shes the founder of Pretty Wellness, author of Happiness through Hardship and proud mom of a ten-year old boy. Follow her on Instagram @PrettyWellness for daily wellness tips and healthy living resources.

Upcoming Public Events:

Right now you can buy online at Amazon or Barnes & Noble.com and in some local stores.

See original here:
Living with Breast Cancer with healthy lifestyle expert and founder of Pretty Wellness Caryn Sullivan - WTNH.com

Matt Meads avoided anything unhealthy in the hopes of living as long as possible (Picture: Kennedy News and Media)

A health-obsessed teacher who avoided anything unhealthy in the hopes of living for as long as possible died just days after a bombshell leukaemia diagnosis aged just 33.

Matt Meads shunned alcohol, smoking and junk food and strived to exercise and eat well in order to avoid health problems later in life.

So when he began suffering stomach pains, night sweats and fatigue for weeks at a time, he and wife Abi, 27, dismissed it as general end-of-term tiredness.

But the couple were shell-shocked when a blood test revealed Matt had acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, a rare and aggressive form of blood cancer.

Abi said her husband did everything he could to try and prevent anything from happening to him, but was helpless when it came to the disease.

His health quickly deteriorated and he passed away from a pulmonary embolism after just three chemotherapy sessions 20 days after diagnosis.

Abi, from Nottingham, described the horror of losing her soulmate, and urged others to get themselves checked out and demand a blood test if they have develop similar symptoms.

Ive got so many people around me offering help and support but I still feel really lonely because Ive lost my best mate, my husband, my soulmate, she said.

Matt was a really happy person. He was really positive. He was kind, caring, loving, wicked sense of humour. He would make a joke about anything and was very quick-witted.

As a teacher he would have done anything for his students. He would have done anything for his family. He was just a really positive person who would have done anything for anybody.

He loved his sport. He would go to the gym, he loved being outside and walking. He liked cycling. He was careful about what he ate.

Everything the doctors warn you about, he didnt do. He didnt drink, he didnt smoke, he had a good diet, he exercised.

He always put sun cream on because he was paranoid he might catch skin cancer or something.

He did everything he could to try and prevent anything from happening to him. As the doctors said there was nothing he could have done to prevent this.

Matt first started mentioning his tiredness on July 6, and Abi told him to go to the doctor after he started vomiting to the point of being unable to keep ice cubes down.

After visiting his GP and being referred to hospital, he was told he had gastroenteritis or constipation, but it wasnt until he returned for a second time that they did a blood test.

Abi, also a teacher, said: Obviously I wish it was spotted sooner. I dont feel any anger towards to the hospital. I genuinely believe they did everything they could for him.

She now wants others complaining of similar symptoms to be persistent in demanding a blood test.

You know your own body, she said.

If youve got it for days and its not getting any better, if youre in any doubt, get it checked. We didnt know what the symptoms were.

The only one I knew was bruising, but Matt didnt have any bruises until he was in hospital.

So the one thing I knew wasnt relevant.

I didnt realise about the night sweats, fatigue or heavy breathing.

We never expected it would be that. We had thought worst case scenario it was gallstones or an impacted bowel, so when he came and said leukaemia it was just unexpected.

When youre poorly you have all these possibilities going through your head but you never think its going to be that.

I had a really good chat with Matts consultant where I questioned whether I should have done more, if I had spotted things sooner, whether if I had been more pushy in getting him to hospital.

But the symptoms are vague and it can come on within days. It doesnt have to be something that has been happening for weeks or months.

Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia is an aggressive and quickly progressing type of cancer affecting white blood cells. Around 790 adults in the UK are diagnosed with it in the UK each year.

View original post here:
Teacher dies aged 33 despite trying to live a healthy lifestyle - Metro.co.uk

In this weeks Intentional Living we are continuing our series about Breast Cancer. Early detection can be your best bet when fighting breast cancer. Along with living a healthy lifestyle, it can give you the best chance at survival.

Each year, about 245-thousand new cases of Breast Cancer are diagnosed in women in the U.S., and 2,200 cases in men. For those people, the earlier its caught, the better their chances of survival.

Dr. Amelia Zelnak who is an Oncologist says, a lot of the focus for women that are trying to have the best outcome possible with breast cancer is really focused on early detection.

That is why Dr. Zelnak says getting annual mammograms starting at age 40 is so important. For those at high risk, start screening earlier.

Dr. Zelnak says, if you have a strong family history of breast cancer, obviously you cant prevent thatsome of the other factors we think about like when did you have your first child, how old were you when you started your first menstrual cycle.

Dr. Zelnak also says while monthly self breast exams were once the standard, the message now for women and men is to just be aware of your own breasts.

According to Dr. Zelnak, if you feel something thats different, get it checked out immediately.

Though there are no ways to prevent breast cancer, there are ways to can reduce your risk.

Zelnak says, one would be to maintain a healthy weight, eat well, really just to focus on a healthy lifestyle.

So while it is at the top of your mind, call now to make an appointment for your yearly mammogram.

Excerpt from:
Intentional Living Breast Cancer Part 2 - KLBK | KAMC | EverythingLubbock.com

Having psoriasis is associated with an increased risk of cancer, a new review of studies concludes.

Researchers, writing in JAMA Dermatology, combined data from 58 studies and found that, over all, compared with people without the condition, psoriasis of any degree of severity was associated with an 18 percent increased risk for cancer, and severe psoriasis with a 22 percent increase. Cancer mortality was elevated in all cases of severe psoriasis.

For some specific types of cancer, the risk was even higher. For example, they found that severe psoriasis was associated with more than 11 times the risk for squamous cell carcinoma (a skin cancer), about double the risk for esophageal and liver cancer, and a 45 percent increased risk for pancreatic cancer.

Any degree of psoriasis, severe or not, was significantly associated with colorectal cancer, non-Hodgkins lymphoma, and cancers of the kidney and pancreas, among others.

The reason for the connection is unclear, but there is a known link between chronic inflammation and cancer, and this may help explain the association.

Alex M. Trafford of the University of Manchester, the lead author, said people with psoriasis tend to smoke more, weigh more and drink more alcohol, factors not accounted for in all of the studies.

Carrying on a healthy lifestyle, he said, could potentially make a big difference in this risk.

Follow this link:
Psoriasis Tied to Increased Cancer Risk - The New York Times

Holly Willoughby is an English television presenter who has been on screens for nearly 20 years. She will regularly post pictures of her outfits on Instagram and fans have noticed her slim frame over the last few years. Despite losing weight, the mum-of-three doesnt want to give away too much about her diet. So, what does she eat?

Holly has worked on shows including Dancing on Ice, Celebrity Juice and The Voice.

Over the years, fans of the star have noticed her frame change over the years.

Speaking to Prima Magazine, Holly said: I try not to focus too much on my appearance. As long as Im being healthy, thats good enough for me.

Earlier this year, the television host revealed explained why she didn't want to talk about her diet plan.

She told the Sunday Times: It's a personal thing for me, and I think people get obsessive with it.

"Everybody knows what leads to a healthy lifestyle, but it's not up to me to give you a blow-by-blow account of what I've eaten that day. It's not helpful, and it's not what's important.

Despite keeping tight lipped about her slim figure, a TV source spoke out to shed some light on Hollys diet.

The source told The Mirror: Holly is determined to keep her new-look body so she eats chicken, carrots and hummus.

They also revealed the sweet treat Holly has been spotted tucking into when on the go.

Youll never see her without a pack of mango either, to satisfy her sweet tooth, they added.

As well as following a diet plan, Lynne Robinson, director of London-based Body Control Pilates, has explained she worked with the star on her exercise routine.

I worked with Holly for several months, teaching her privately at her home once a week, she told The Sun.

Go here to read the rest:
Holly Willoughby weight loss: How does This Morning host stay in shape? Diet plan revealed - Express

HealthyLifestyle.org is an innovative new health information portal that explores both sides of current medical debates so that readers can make wise decisions regarding their health. As part of their commitment to keep people informed, the Healthy Lifestyle team is preparing for the 37 th Vaccination, Immunization and Antibiotics Conference coming up this month in Vancouver, Canada.

HealthyLifestyle.org helps readers answer important questions about their health, such as which type of health insurance policy is right for me? Am I paying too much for health insurance? Should I have my child get the new HPV vaccine? And what alternative therapies are available for cancer treatment? Readers can count on the website for insights on even the most controversial issues, such as legal cannabis, the efficacy of essential oils, and the arguments for and against various health considerations.

The Healthy Lifestyle team looks to conventions around the world to get information on health-related topics. Dave Cutter, Healthy Lifestyle Co-Founder, said that the upcoming Vaccination, Immunization and Antibiotics conference will help his team deliver balanced insights on these hot-button issues.

There are a lot of questions right now about what medical solutions children should be exposed to, as well as the challenges surrounding superbugs and over-prescribing of antibiotics, said Cutter. Well be informing our readers based on the newest research coming out of this conference.

The conference will provide two days of keynote speakers, workshops, panel discussions, and exhibits. Topics will include the latest vaccine research, obstacles to vaccination, plant-based vaccines, and antibiotic resistance. Attendees will include physicians, scientists, researchers, and business leaders.

Cutter said that his team is eager to hear the latest scientific-based findings on these topics so that they can cut through the spin and fake news that accompany a lot of health-related headlines.

Our website tells it to people straight without an agenda or sensationalism, said Cutter. Staying informed equips us to present multiple points of view in the context of real-life scenarios, and we dont shy away from the taboo issues.

To learn more about Healthy Lifestyle and read about controversial and trending topics in health, visit http://www.HealthyLifestyle.org.

About Healthy Lifestyle

Healthy Lifestyle aims to provide relatable health articles, news, and stories. There is one life to live. It is the responsibility of society, as human beings, to take care of our health so we can live fully.

See the original post here:
HealthyLifestyle.org Gears Up for Vaccination & Antibiotics Conference in Canada - PRUnderground

A common therapy for joint pain may not be as safe as experts believed, according to a new report published Tuesday.

Corticosteroid injections are often given to reduce pain and inflammation from osteoarthritis.

But these injections may do more harm than good: The report found corticosteroid shots in the hips and knees may accelerate the progression of osteoarthritis and potentially even hasten the need for joint replacement surgeries in the long run, said lead author Dr. Ali Guermazi, a professor of radiology at the Boston University School of Medicine.

The intra-articular corticosteroid injections in the hips and knees are not as safe as we thought, Guermazi, whose paper is published in the journal Radiology, said.

Its estimated that more than 30 million Americans have osteoarthritis, a chronic condition that causes cartilage loss, joint inflammation, pain, swelling and, in severe cases, bone destruction, according to the Arthritis Foundation.

Corticosteroid injections into the hips and knees are a common treatment for patients in significant pain; in one study of more than 16,500 patients who underwent knee or hip joint replacement, half had received corticosteroid injections in the prior two years. The injections often are covered by insurance.

In the new paper, Guermazis team reviewed existing literature on corticosteroid injections for osteoarthritis, and also looked at data on 459 patients at Boston Medical Center who received one to three corticosteroid injections in the hip or knee in 2018. The researchers found that 8 percent of patients developed complications, including cartilage loss, stress fractures, bone deterioration and joint destruction, in the two to 15 months following the injections.

The rate of complications surprised Guermazi, who added that the figure may actually be an underestimate, because 218 of the patients did not have follow-up imaging tests to assess the health of their joints.

While patients may report temporary pain relief from the corticosteroid injections, he said, the injections may be detrimental in the long run. They may actually harm your knee or your hip, he said.

An exact explanation for the findings is unclear, Guermazi said, but there is some evidence that corticosteroid injections, which typically are combined with an anesthetic, can be toxic to cartilage, and more studies are needed to understand their effects and clarify their benefits and risks.

Dr. Antonia Chen, an associate professor of orthopaedic surgery at Harvard Medical School and a spokesperson for the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, said corticosteroid injections can help relieve pain in some, but not all, patients for as long as days or months. But patients should be informed that the injections carry risks, as the new paper and others have shown, which is why its recommended the injections be given no more frequently than every three months, she said.

There are definitely benefits and there are definitely risks, and these risks must be mentioned to patients, Chen said. Some patients will say they dont want to undergo temporary relief and they dont want to have the chance of progressing their arthritis, and some say they need some sort of pain relief to just live day to day.

But before turning to injections or other medications, Chen recommends that patients with osteoarthritis first talk with a physician about noninvasive approaches, such as exercise, physical therapy and weight loss.

Guy Eakin, senior vice president of scientific strategy for the Arthritis Foundation, agreed, telling NBC News that a healthy lifestyle remains the key to managing osteoarthritis.

Exercise is really one of the best things that can be done, he said.

Indeed, research indicates that exercise helps ease pain, improve mobility and strengthen muscles around the joints. Stretching activities such as yoga and tai chi may help increase flexibility and reduce joint stiffness. Exercise also can aid in weight loss to reduce pressure on the joints.

While arthritis patients in chronic pain may try to get relief from pain relievers or injections of corticosteroids or hyaluronic acid, there is no cure for the condition. Patients who ultimately end up with bone rubbing against bone may be in such severe pain and have such difficulty moving that they opt for a total joint replacement.

Follow NBC HEALTH on Twitter & Facebook.

Jacqueline Stenson

NBC News contributor Jacqueline Stenson is a health and fitness journalist who has written for the Los Angeles Times, Reuters, Health, Self and Shape, among others.She also teaches at the UCLA Extension Writers' Program.

Original post:
Common joint pain treatment may be more harmful than thought - NBC News

Marshalee Valentine

Thursday, October 17, 2019

'); } else { $(".fotorama-caption").addClass("remove_caption"); } }) .fotorama();

Observing a healthy diet does not mean that your food is safe for consumption. As a matter of fact, you should ensure that food safety is embedded in the diet programme you choose to follow. Eating healthy does not just involve watching calories and nutrients; it also requires that the food consumed is safe. There are times, however, when the two healthy food and safe food can be conflicting as there are practices in living a healthy lifestyle, such as raw food consumption, that may be detrimental to actual health and safety.

1. For those on a complete raw food diet, ensure that you source your produce from reputable suppliers. It is understandable that eating healthy requires that food isn't fried or overcooked but that healthy cooking methods such as steaming, broiling, grilling and roasting are used to prepare meals. Also consider the following:

Can you go on a raw food diet given your age and current health status? Consult with your doctor or dietician to determine this.

Try to at least use one of the above-mentioned cooking methods or even a dehydrator when preparing foods that may contain bacteria and parasites such as fish, eggs. Additionally, you want to be careful when consuming raw sprouts as bacteria such as E.coli and salmonella can thrive in the warm, humid environment in which sprouts are grown.

If you consume milk, ensure that it is not raw, meaning unpasteurised. Raw milk may contain Mycobacteria bovis (M bovis), which can cause non-pulmonary tuberculosis (TB).

Cassava and kidney beans may contain toxins, so be careful to follow preparation instructions to avoid illnesses. Cooking kills some toxins, bacteria, and harmful compounds in these food.

2. Remember to always store all your perishable fruits in the refrigerator and never pack the refrigerator tight you must allow for air circulation to keep the food cool and fresher for longer. You need to also check for spoilage and remove any fruit or vegetable from storage that has evidence of spoilage or mould.

3. Ensure your meal prep containers and utensils are kept clean and stored in clean areas. Additionally, because you will be spending more time preparing meals, ensure all your food contact surfaces (counters, cutting boards, utensils) are kept clean and sanitised.

4. Always wash your fresh fruits and veggies with lukewarm water. Buy them from a reputable supplier.

Now you can read the Jamaica Observer ePaper anytime, anywhere. The Jamaica Observer ePaper is available to you at home or at work, and is the same edition as the printed copy available at http://bit.ly/epaperlive

Read more:
Four Ways To Ensure Healthy Eating Is Safe - Jamaica Observer

Despite what we know about the impact of food choices on our health, overweight and obesity are still on the rise in South Africa, alongside a host of other preventable diseases that can be attributed to unhealthy lifestyles.

Thanks to our industrialised food system, and far greater, ultra-processed and fast food choices aimed at our convenience, weve got further away from eating the whole foods that are really good for us.

This is the message a coalition of health professional associations, including the Department of Health, is highlighting in October across both National Nutrition Week and National Obesity Week, which runs from 9 to 19 October.

This years theme, Make eating whole foods a way of life, focuses the countrys attention on the importance of consuming a mostly plant-based diet of mainly unprocessed and minimally processed foods. Whole grains, fresh vegetables and fruits, legumes, nuts and seeds are health promoting foods that are nutrient-dense, high in fibre, and free from food additives, added sugar, fat and salt.

Whole foods offer a wide range of choice and enable a family lifestyle centred on healthy eating choices which, for children, can help cement these healthy lifestyle habits for years to come. The Nutrition Society of South Africa (NSSA) points out that the risks of unhealthy diets and lifestyles start in childhood and build up over our lives. Severe obesity, which is life threatening, affects around 20% of women and 3% of men.

These concerns are shared by the Heart and Stroke Foundation South Africa, which reports that every day 225 South Africans die of cardiovascular disease. Only a small proportion of the deaths are age-related.

The campaign is also supported by MaTCH, the Maternal, Adolescent and Child Health Institute, an indigenous non-profit organisation providing a broad range of HIV and TB-focused assistance. Lenore Spies, the technical advisor of MaTCH, says: Limiting the intake of ultra-processed foods and rather eating mainly whole foods plays an important role in a healthy pregnancy as well as ensuring good nutrition for children, families and those whose immune functioning may be compromised. A diet based on a variety of whole foods, which are foods in, or close to, their natural state, provides us with a broad spectrum of nutrients we need to safeguard our health, including dietary fibre.

Another important aspect of healthy eating is getting into the habit of reading the ingredient lists on the labels.

An ultra-processed food or drink is one that usually has five or more ingredients listed on the label, and typically a number of these are not recognisable as foods you would use in home cooking.

See the original post here:
Healthy nutrition is key - News24

CVD is a collective term that refers to a range of heart-related ailments including heart failure, angina pain, heart failure, coronary artery disease, arrhythmia and birth defects. (Photo: Getty Images/Thinkstock)

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), a collective term that refers to a range of heart-related ailments including heart failure, angina pain, heart failure, coronary artery disease, arrhythmia and birth defects, are increasing in prevalence globally and have been termed as the number one cause of morbidity and mortality. The fact that these conditions do not discriminate based on age or gender makes it imperative to understand the risk factors and manage them on time.

In India alone, about 2.8 million die of various heart problems and this number is expected to increase to an alarming 23 million by 2030. Today, even seemingly healthy people are succumbing to CVDs due to factors such as high stress levels and unhealthy lifestyles. In most of the cases, silent blockages leading up to disruptive functioning of the heart, are the cause of cardiac arrest. Since heart problems go undetected most of the time due to lack of apparent symptoms, the importance of preventive measures cannot be ignored. The following tips can help avert CVDs and related health complications, says Rahul Rastogi, co-founder and CEO, Agatsa.

ALSO READ | Women and heart health: Heart attack signs and symptoms to know about

Lose extra weight

Extra kilos weigh heavy on the heart literally. Indians tend to gain weight around the abdomen, which is a big risk factor for heart diseases. As per statistics even a 3 per cent to 5 per cent reduction in weight can avert risk of heart diseases by lowering blood pressure and sugar levels.

A heart healthy diet

A diet that comprises fruits and vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy, and omega-3 fatty acids can work wonders to keep the heart healthy. Limit processed food as it is rich in salt and sugar, both of which can be detrimental to the heart.

Move, move, move

The heart is a muscle and needs to be active. At least 30 minutes of moderate-to-intense physical activity every day can help the heart function better. Aerobic exercises including running, swimming or fast-paced walking can get the heart pumping, improve circulation, and keep it healthier for a longer time.

Give up some habits

Smoking and alcohol consumption can harm heart health in the long run. They increase blood pressure because of which the heart must work doubly hard to pump blood. Over time, they also make it harder for blood to carry oxygen to the body cells. Consult a specialist and quit these habits at the earliest.

Sleep like a baby

The importance of good sleep for overall health cannot be underscored. It is imperative to get at least six to eight hours of sleep, as this is the time when the body cells regenerate and repair themselves. Studies indicate that lack of quality sleep is a risk factor for increased blood pressure and therefore, heart diseases.

Check your mouth

Bad dental hygiene is a major risk factor for heart diseases. This is because the bacteria that cause gum disease can enter the bloodstream and cause inflammation of blood vessels. This increases the likelihood of heart attack and stroke. Oral and dental hygiene should thus be a priority.

Drive stress away

Stress not only causes the blood pressure to increase but also makes a person overeat unhealthy food. Try engaging in activities such as yoga, meditation or anything else that will help you feel calm and unwind. Practicing these every day can help reduce stress and keep the heart healthy.

ALSO READ | Know what is cardiac arrest and how is it different from heart attack

Check vitals at home

The advancements in medical science and technology have ensured that today there are devices that can help people check their vital statistics including ECG in the comfort of their homes. There are pocket-friendly devices available today which allow for monitoring and basic check-ups at home at the touch of a button. This can help avert many fatal events and save a life by diagnosing and managing heart problems in a timely manner.

Conclusion

Preventive action is the bedrock of good health and well-being. Leading a healthy life right from a young age can not only help you live longer but keep you away from any chronic ailments. If you are someone with a family history of heart diseases or any of the risk factors, it is better to undergo timely health check-ups and follow a healthy lifestyle. This will not only prevent heart diseases but also keep other complications at bay.

Read the original post:
Tips to manage heart diseases: Heres what you should know - The Indian Express