Tips to stay fit and healthy
Dieting alone does not have a long lasting effect on weight reduction, unless complemented with regular physical exercise. Besides, exercise has a lot of other benefits.Exercise can help promote our physical and mental well-being. Regular exercise can improve heart and lung functions, reduce the risk of heart and related diseases, and control weight. It also improves muscle strength and suppleness, as well as joint and muscle flexibility. By exercising regularly, we feel better, work better and cope better with the stresses in life. To stay healthy and fit, cultivate habits and behaviours that will enhance your health and reduce the risk of illness.
Regular exercise may help to improve your outlook. People who exercise regularly have a
lower chance of getting depressed than those who don’t exercise. They also sleep better and feel more rested. As a result, you may feel better about yourself.
Exercise
Exercise for 30 minutes a day, three to five times a week.
Take part in some kind of sport.
Do active work at home like work in your garden or yard or clean the house.
Take a brisk walk, jog or swim.
Smoking
Do not start smoking, or stop smoking.
Alcohol and drugs
Drink alcohol moderately, or stop drinking.
Do not take drugs.
Practise safe sex
Abstain from sex; delay starting to have sex; do not rush into sex with each partner.
Be faithful to one partner.
Use condoms to protect yourself during sex.
Eating
Eat balanced meals.
Eat a variety of all food groups (starch, protein, fat, dairy products).
Eat at least two portions of vegetables and fruit a day.
Reduce fat in the diet.
Take less sugar and salt.
Drink at least eight glasses of water every day.
Sleep
Sleep seven to eight hours a night.