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Essay on Healthy Lifestyle

The top secret of being physically fit is adopting a healthy lifestyle. A healthy lifestyle includes regular exercise, a healthy diet, taking good care of self, healthy sleep habits, and having a physically active daily routine. Lifestyle is the most prevailing factor that affects one’s fitness level. A person leading a sedentary lifestyle has a low fitness level whereas living a healthier life not only makes a person fit but also extends life. Good health has a direct impact on our personality. A person with a good and healthy lifestyle is generally more confident, self-assured, sociable, and energetic.

A good and healthy lifestyle allows one to relish and savor all the pleasures in life without any complications. Even all the wealth is less valuable when compared to sound health. Having all the luxuries in the world does not fulfill its purpose when one is continuously ill, depressed, or suffering from a significant health complication. A healthy person has a clear and calm perception of everything without prejudice. His actions and decisions are more practical and logical and are hence more successful in life.

A good habit is a key factor for a healthy lifestyle. To maintain a stable body and mind, one needs to inculcate good habits. Waking up early in the morning, regularly exercising or a good morning walk helps to keep our body energetic and refresh our mind. Maintaining a balanced and nutritious diet throughout the day is vital for maintaining a good lifestyle. Too much indulgence in alcohol or smoking excessively is not at all appropriate for a healthy lifestyle.

Self-Discipline

Self-discipline is important for maintaining a good lifestyle. When we are self-disciplined then we are more organized and regular in maintaining good health. A disciplined life is a regulated life. A man without discipline is a ship without a rudder. Discipline needs self-control. One who cannot control himself can seldom control others. The level of discipline and perseverance largely determines a person’s success. Self-discipline is the act of disciplining one’s own feelings, desires, etc. especially with the intention of improving oneself. It strengthens our willpower. The stronger our will power the positive will be our decision. It enables us to conquer our own self.

Punctuality

Punctuality is the habit of doing things on time. It is the characteristic of every successful person and everyone must observe punctuality in order to win success in life. Punctuality is necessary for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. It should become a habit with us. A punctual person is able to fulfill all his responsibilities and hence is treated with respect in society. It is needed in every walk of life.

Diet is an important component for overall fitness and works best in combination with exercise. A balanced diet and exercise regularly help to maintain good health. It is necessary to reduce weight if one is overweight or obese, failing which one cannot be physically fit for long. For people with obesity, more exercise and a strict regime are necessary, preferably under guidance. There are many ways of making the diet healthier.

Use less sugar and salt while cooking food.

Use less oil while cooking. Avoid deep-frying as much as possible. 

Eat more fruits daily. They provide more vitamins and minerals to our bodies.

Add sprouts of gram and moong dal to at least one meal in a day. Add fiber to your diet. Use whole grains instead of polished cereals. Eat lots of salad and yogurt.

Eat fermented food regularly. Fermented food contains many useful bacteria that help in the process of digestion.

Prevention of Lifestyle Diseases

By adopting a healthy lifestyle one can avoid lifestyle diseases. The following are some ways in which we can prevent lifestyle diseases.

Eat a balanced diet that contains important nutrients. One must include more fresh fruits and green vegetables in the diet. Refrain from eating junk food. Stay away from foods that contain large amounts of salt or sugar.

Exercise regularly. Spend more time outdoors and do activities such as walking, running, swimming, and cycling.

One must avoid overindulgence in alcohol, junk food, smoking, and addiction to drugs and medicines.

Avoid spending too much on modern gadgets like mobile phones, laptops, televisions, etc. Spend time on these gadgets for short intervals of time only.

Set a healthy sleeping routine for every day. Waking early in the morning and going to bed early at night should be a daily habit. Lead an active life.

Unhealthy Lifestyle

Bad food habits and an unhealthy lifestyle such as less or no physical activity may lead to several diseases like obesity, high blood pressure or hypertension, diabetes, anemia, and various heart diseases. An unhealthy lifestyle reduces productivity and creativity in a person. It also adversely affects moods and relationships. It leads to depression and anxiety in human beings.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle not only makes a person confident and productive but also drives him to success. A person with a healthy lifestyle will enjoy both personal and social life.

FAQs on Healthy Lifestyle Essay

What Do You Understand about a Healthy Lifestyle?

A healthy lifestyle is a lifestyle that includes regular exercise, a healthy diet, taking good care of self, healthy sleep habits and having a physically active daily routine.

How is Punctuality Important for Maintaining a Healthy Lifestyle?

Punctuality is the habit of doing things on time. It is the characteristic of every successful person and everyone must observe punctuality in order to win success in life. It should become a habit with us. A punctual person is able to fulfil all his responsibilities and hence is treated with respect in society. It is needed in every walk of life.

What Happens When One Does Not Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle?

When one does not maintain a healthy lifestyle then several diseases like obesity, high blood pressure or hypertension, diabetes, anaemia and various heart diseases can occur. An unhealthy lifestyle reduces productivity and creativity in a person. It also adversely affects moods and relationships. It leads to depression and anxiety in human beings.

What are the Main Factors that Determine a Good and Healthy Lifestyle?

In order to maintain a good and healthy lifestyle, one must be self-disciplined, self-motivated, maintain punctuality and have good habits like waking early in the morning and maintain a regular fitness regime and a balanced and nutritious diet.

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Essay writing is a difficult task that needs a great deal of study, time, and focus. It's also an assignment that you can divide down into manageable chunks such as introduction, main content, and conclusion. Breaking down and focusing on each individually makes essay writing more pleasant. It's natural for students to be concerned about writing an essay. It's one of the most difficult tasks to do, especially for people who aren't confident in their writing abilities. While writing a decent essay is difficult, the secret to being proficient at it is reading a lot of books, conducting extensive research on essential topics, and practicing essay writing diligently.

Why is it important for one to aspire to have a healthy lifestyle?

A healthy lifestyle is an important way for reducing the occurrence and impact of health problems, as well as for recovery, coping with life stressors, and improving the overall quality of life. An increasing collection of scientific data suggests that our habits have a significant impact on our health. Everything we eat and drink, as well as how much exercise we get and whether we smoke or use drugs, has an impact on our health, not just in terms of life expectancy but also in terms of how long we may expect to live without developing chronic illness. A large proportion of fatalities are caused by conditions such as heart attacks, stroke, diabetes, joint disease, and mental illness. A healthy lifestyle can help to avoid or at least delay the onset of many health issues.

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The Essay on Healthy Lifestyle designed for the Vedantu is created by a group of experts and experienced teachers. The panel of experts has created the essay after analyzing important essay topics that have been repeatedly asked in various examinations. The Essays that are provided by Vedantu are not only well-structured but also accurate and concise. They are aptly suited for young students with limited vocabulary. For best results, the students are advised to go through multiple essays and practice the topics on their own to inculcate the habits of time management and speed.

What constitutes a healthy lifestyle?

Healthy life is built on the pillars of a good diet, frequent exercise, and appropriate sleep. A healthy lifestyle keeps people in excellent shape, it also gives you more energy throughout the day, and lowers your chance of developing many diet-related chronic diseases. Healthy living is considered a lifestyle choice that allows you to enjoy more elements of your life. Taking care of one's physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being is part of living a healthy lifestyle.

Good Nutrition, Eating Right and proper diet.

Getting Physically Fit, Beneficial Exercise and working out often.

Adequate rest and uninterrupted sleep.

Proper Stress Management.

Self-Supportive Attitudes.

Positive Thoughts are encouraged.

Positive Self-Image and body image.

Inner Calmness and peace.

Openness to Your Creativity and Self-care.

Trust in Your Inner Knowing and your gut feeling.

Essay on Healthy Lifestyle

Students are often asked to write an essay on Healthy Lifestyle in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Healthy Lifestyle

Introduction.

A healthy lifestyle is a way of living that lowers the risk of being seriously ill or dying early. It’s not just about eating fruits and vegetables, but also about regular exercise and positive thinking.

Healthy Eating

Eating a balanced diet is crucial. Include a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Avoid junk food and sugary drinks.

Regular Exercise

Exercise boosts your mood, strengthens your body, and reduces the risk of diseases. Aim for at least 30 minutes of physical activity every day.

Positive Mindset

A healthy mind is as important as a healthy body. Stay positive, manage stress, and get enough sleep.

Living a healthy lifestyle is a choice. Start making healthier choices today for a better tomorrow.

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250 Words Essay on Healthy Lifestyle

The concept of a healthy lifestyle is not just about eating nutritious food and engaging in physical activities. It is a holistic approach to wellbeing that includes mental, emotional, and social health.

Importance of Balanced Nutrition

Nutrition plays a pivotal role in maintaining health. Consuming a balanced diet rich in proteins, vitamins, minerals, and fiber helps in boosting immunity, energy levels, and overall physical health. However, it’s not just about what you eat but also how and when you eat. Mindful eating and maintaining a regular eating schedule can significantly contribute to a healthy lifestyle.

Physical Activity and Its Impact

Physical activity is another cornerstone of a healthy lifestyle. Regular exercise helps in maintaining a healthy weight, reducing the risk of chronic diseases, and promoting mental health. It does not necessarily mean spending hours in the gym; even simple activities like walking, cycling, or yoga can have profound benefits.

Mental and Emotional Wellbeing

Mental and emotional health is often overlooked in the pursuit of a healthy lifestyle. Stress management, sufficient sleep, and nurturing relationships contribute to emotional health, which in turn impacts physical health.

Social Health: An Integral Part

Social health is about maintaining healthy relationships and having a sense of connection and belonging. It involves balancing personal needs with those of the community and environment, fostering empathy, and building strong support systems.

In conclusion, a healthy lifestyle is a multifaceted concept. It involves balanced nutrition, regular physical activity, mental and emotional wellbeing, and social health. By adopting such a lifestyle, one can significantly enhance their quality of life and longevity.

500 Words Essay on Healthy Lifestyle

The concept of a healthy lifestyle is not just about eating nutritious food and getting enough physical exercise. It encompasses a much broader spectrum of behaviors that contribute to physical, mental, and social well-being. A healthy lifestyle is a conscious choice that one makes and is a crucial step towards a fulfilling life.

The Pillars of a Healthy Lifestyle

The foundation of a healthy lifestyle rests on four pillars: a balanced diet, regular physical activity, adequate rest, and mental well-being.

A balanced diet is not about strict limitations or depriving yourself of the foods you love. It’s about feeling great, having more energy, and stabilizing your mood. Consuming a variety of foods, in the right proportions, can help prevent diseases and maintain an optimal body weight.

Regular physical activity is another cornerstone of a healthy lifestyle. It can help prevent chronic diseases like heart disease, cancer, and stroke. It also promotes mental health, reduces stress, and improves sleep.

Adequate rest is often overlooked in discussions about a healthy lifestyle. However, it is just as important as diet and exercise. Lack of sleep can lead to a range of health problems, including obesity, diabetes, and even heart disease.

Lastly, mental well-being is integral to living a healthy lifestyle. It involves psychological resilience, positive self-perception, and an overall sense of satisfaction with one’s life.

The Role of Mindfulness in a Healthy Lifestyle

Mindfulness is a mental state achieved by focusing one’s awareness on the present moment, while calmly acknowledging and accepting one’s feelings, thoughts, and bodily sensations. It is a powerful tool to help manage stress, enhance emotional intelligence, and improve overall health. Incorporating mindfulness into daily routines can significantly contribute to a healthy lifestyle.

Challenges and Solutions

Despite the known benefits of a healthy lifestyle, many individuals face challenges in maintaining one. These challenges include lack of time, inability to stick to a routine, lack of motivation, and limited access to healthy foods or fitness facilities.

However, these obstacles can be overcome with proper planning and commitment. For instance, one can manage time by prioritizing and scheduling tasks. Motivation can be boosted by setting realistic goals and celebrating small victories. Access to healthy foods and fitness facilities can be improved by advocating for community resources or finding creative ways to stay active and eat healthily.

In conclusion, a healthy lifestyle is a valuable asset to one’s life. It not only improves physical health but also contributes significantly to mental and social well-being. Despite the challenges, with determination, discipline, and a positive outlook, everyone can lead a healthy lifestyle. It is a journey, not a destination, and each small step towards it is a step towards a healthier, happier life.

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Essay on Healthy Lifestyle for Students and Children

500+ Words Essay on Healthy Lifestyle

It is said that it is easy to learn and maintain bad habits but it is very difficult to switch them back. The issue of a healthy lifestyle is very serious but the people take it very lightly. Often, it is seen that the people take steps to improve their lifestyle but due to lack of determination quits in the midway.

Moreover, for a healthy lifestyle is it important that you take small and one-step at a time. Also, do not go overboard with it. Besides, this healthy lifestyle will help you in life in a lot of ways.

Habits That Keeps You Healthy

For keeping your body and mind healthy you have to follow certain rules that will help you achieve your goal. Besides, there are certain measures that will help you to stay healthy.

First of all, for being healthy you have to plan and follow a strict diet. This diet should contain all the essential minerals and vitamins required by the body. Also, eat only healthy food and avoid junk and heavily carbohydrate and fatty food.

In addition, wake up early in the morning because first of all, it’s a healthy habit. Secondly, waking up early means you can get ready for your work early, spend some quality time with your family. Besides, this decides time for your sleep and sleep early because it de-stresses body.

Doing exercise regularly makes your body more active and it also releases the pent-up stress from the muscles.

Avoid the mobile- the biggest drawback of this generation is that they are obsessed with their mobile phones. Moreover, these phones cause many physical and mental problem for them. So, to avoid the negative effects of mobile the usage volume of them should be reduced.

Connecting with positive minds because the more you indulge with these people then less you will go to the negative side.

Get the huge list of more than 500 Essay Topics and Ideas

The things that should be avoided for a healthy lifestyle

We knew that there are several bad habits that affect our healthy lifestyle. These habits can cause much harm to not only to the body but to the society too. In addition, these habits are also the cause of many evils of society. The major healthy lifestyle destroying habits are smoking, drinking, junk food, addiction , meal skipping, and overuse of pills.

All these activities severely damage body parts and organs which cannot be replaced easily. Besides, they not only cause physical damage but mental damage too.

Benefits of a Healthy Lifestyle

A healthy lifestyle has many benefits not only for the body but for the mind too. Also, if you follow a healthy lifestyle then you can reduce the risk of having cancer, heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and osteoporosis.

To sum it up, we can say that there are various benefits of living a healthy lifestyle. Also, a healthy lifestyle has many benefits to your social as well as personal life. Besides, it improves the relationships in the family. Most importantly, the person who lives a healthy lifestyle lives longer as compared to those who do not.

FAQs on Healthy Lifestyle

Q.1 Give some tips to live a healthy lifestyle. A.1 Some tips for staying healthy are eating a balanced diet, maintain weight, having enough sleep, sleep early and wake up early, use mobile lesser, etc.

Q.2 What is good health? A.2 Good health means freedom from sickness and diseases. It is a costly gift of nature to us for living a purposeful life. Also, good health means that we can do more work than our capacity without getting tired.

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7 Positive Lifestyle Factors That Promote Good Health

How to Live Long and Well

You can't change your genes, or even much of the environment around you, but there are lifestyle choices you can make to boost your health. Being informed and intentional about diet, activity, sleep, and smoking can reduce your health risks and potentially add years to your life.

This article looks at seven lifestyle factors that are backed by the best evidence when it comes to your health over the long run. It shows you why they matter and how to begin making positive changes.

Getting the Right Amount of Sleep

Eva-Katalin / E+ / Getty Images

Getting the right amount of sleep, and doing so regularly, is first on the list. It's often missed because people focus on diet and exercise, but the link between sleep and life expectancy is supported by research.

What surprises some people is that the relationship is a U-shaped curve. This means that too little and too much sleep can affect your health. In one study, sleeping for a long duration (defined as more than 10 hours a night) was associated with psychiatric diseases and higher body mass index BMI.

Another study found that sleeping nine or more hours a night had an increased incidence of stroke of 23% compared to those sleeping seven to eight hours a night. Those who slept over nine hours and napped for 90 minutes or more had an 85% increased stroke risk.

A 2021 study of 1.1 million people in Europe and the United States found that 25% of people slept less than what is recommended for their ages. More than half of all teens don't get enough sleep. Adults do better but have more insomnia and poor sleep quality.

A good night's sleep is important to recharge both the body and mind. It helps the body repair cells and get rid of wastes. It also is important in making memories, and sleep deprivation leads to forgetfulness.

Even if you intend to sleep well, health issues can disrupt your plan. Sleep apnea , for example, can greatly increase health risks.

Sleep apnea affects millions of people, but it's believed that many cases are being missed. Part of the reason is that symptoms like snoring, or waking up gasping for air, don't happen in every case. Sleep apnea can present with a number of surprising signs and symptoms , such as teeth grinding and depression.

If you have any concerns, talk to your healthcare provider about a sleep study . There are treatments, like CPAP , that lower risk and improve quality of life. Changes in your sleep patterns can signal other health issues too, so see your healthcare provider for a checkup if anything changes.

Eating Well-Balanced Meals

Gary Houlder / Taxi / Getty Images

A healthy diet gives you energy and lowers your risk for heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and other diseases. Some of these conditions have proven links to food and nutrition, as is the case with red meat and colorectal cancer.

Taking steps toward a lifelong change in diet will help more than jumping on the latest fad diet does. You may have heard author Michael Pollan's signature phrase: "Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants." Of those plants, choose a rainbow of colors to make sure you get all the nutrients you need.

One place to begin is with the well-regarded Mediterranean diet. It's rich in many of the healthiest foods and naturally limits less healthy choices. The more you follow the Mediterranean diet, the lower your risk of a host of diseases.

A 2018 review looked at over 12 million people and the risk of over a dozen chronic diseases. The researchers found that people who chose a Mediterranean diet lowered their risk of heart disease, stroke, cancer, and other diseases.

The Mediterranean diet includes a lot of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, "good" oils, and plenty of herbs and spices. It doesn't recommend highly processed foods, refined grains, or added sugar.

Making Time for Physical Activity

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Thirty minutes a day of physical activity protects heart health. It also lowers the amount of bone loss as you age, and with it the risk of osteoporosis . It's so important that a 2021 study of colon cancer survivors found that living in a "green" community that is friendly for exercise reduced the risk of death.

A 2017 review in Lancet found that people participating in moderate physical activity every day had a lower risk of heart disease and overall mortality, no matter what their income level.

Best of all, physical activity is a low-cost way to boost your health and even save you money. Sometimes your health may limit your exercise options, but you can keep moving by washing your windows, mowing your lawn, sweeping a sidewalk, and other basic tasks.

Once you are past age 65, you may benefit by adding balance and flexibility exercises, but keep moving too. Whether you dance, garden, swim, or go biking, choose moderate-intensity exercise that you know you'll enjoy.

Keeping a Healthy Body Weight

Shelly Strazis / UpperCut Images / Getty Images

Obesity is associated with a shorter lifespan and a higher risk of many diseases. The good news is that just being somewhat overweight does not reduce your longevity. In fact, for those over age 65, it's better to be on the high side of normal than the low side.

A 2018 study looked at body mass index (BMI) and mortality over a period of 24 years. A BMI considered between 19 and 24 is considered "normal" or healthy. For those who were in the range classified as obesity, a BMI of 30 to 35 meant a 27% increase in mortality. A BMI of 35 to 40 was linked to a 93% increase.

Among those with a BMI in the overweight range (BMI 25 to 30), mortality was only higher among those who smoked. People with a BMI on the high side of normal (BMI 24, for example) had the lowest death risks.

BMI Limitations

BMI is a dated, flawed measure. It does not take into account factors such as body composition, ethnicity, sex, race, and age.  Even though it is a biased measure, BMI is still widely used in the medical community because it’s an inexpensive and quick way to analyze a person’s potential health status and outcomes.

There isn't any real magic when it comes to keeping a healthy weight. Eating a nutritious diet and exercising daily   are the true secrets for most people. If you're struggling, talk with your healthcare provider. But keep in mind that fad diets don't work, and your greatest hope for success lies in making long-term changes.

Avoiding Smoking or Chewing Tobacco

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Smoking accounts for some 480,000 deaths per year in the United States alone. Added to this are another 16 million people who are alive but coping with a smoking-related illness . If you want the chance to live well for however long you live, don't smoke or chew tobacco.

The list of diseases and cancers linked to smoking is long. If you're finding it hard to quit, and you think illness comes only later in life, it may help to think of more short-term goals. Perhaps it's too expensive, or indoor smoking bans limit your social outings.

Or maybe the midlife concerns will help you! Smoking speeds up wrinkling of the skin. There's also a link between smoking and erectile dysfunction in men. Quitting, or avoiding tobacco in the first place, will save lives but protect its quality too.

Limiting or Avoiding Alcohol

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Despite the hype over red wine and longevity , alcohol should be used only in moderation, and for many people, not at all. Red wine has been found to offer some protective health effects, but there are other ways to get these benefits.

Red wine is rich in flavonoids, particularly the nutrient resveratrol . Resveratrol, however, is also found in red grapes themselves, in red grape juice, and even peanuts.

Moderate alcohol consumption (one drink per day for women, two for men) may lower heart disease risk. Yet a link between alcohol and breast cancer suggests that even this amount should be used with caution.

Women who have three drinks per week have a 15% higher risk of breast cancer and the risk goes up another 10% for every additional drink they have each day.

It is important to note that alcohol is classified as a Group 1 carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. Group 1 is the highest-risk group, which also includes asbestos, radiation, and tobacco. Alcohol causes at least seven types of cancer. The more alcohol you drink, the higher your cancer risk.

Higher levels of alcohol can lead to health and other problems, including a greater risk for:

• High blood pressure
• Heart disease
• Some cancers

Moderate intake of alcohol may be part of a healthy lifestyle in special moments, as long as you have no personal or family problems with alcohol abuse. As long as everyone understands the risks, there are times you may drink a toast to your good health!

Managing Mental Health

Mental health includes emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, act, and relate to others.

Managing mental health includes factors such as managing stress and maintaining social connections. Research shows that people who report being happier live as much as four to 10 years longer than less happy people.

One way to increase happiness is to manage stress. Although we can't eliminate stress entirely, there are some ways to limit it:

• Take time to unwind , such as doing deep breathing exercises, yoga, meditation, taking a bath, or reading a book. Schedule regular times for these and other healthy activities.
• Take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news and social media.
• Practice gratitude by reminding yourself daily of things you are grateful for. Be specific. Write them down at night, or replay them in your mind.
• Focus on the positive by identifying and challenging your negative and unhelpful thoughts.
• Find a hobby. Research shows activities like gardening, singing, playing a musical instrument, and other hobbies are linked to living longer, healthier lives Hobbies may reduce stress and provide mental stimulation.

Research also shows that staying socially connected positively impacts health and longevity. Getting together regularly with friends or family members can provide emotional support and pleasure. Other ways to foster connection may include:

• Connecting with community or faith-based groups
• Volunteering with others
• Joining a local group, such as a hiking club, knitting group, or other interest group

For a long, healthy life, the seven key lifestyle behaviors include getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, being physically active, maintaining a healthy body weight, not smoking, limiting alcohol, and managing mental health.

These factors may seem like a part of the common-sense advice, but there's a reason for that. They're all backed by data, and new medical research continues to point in the same healthy direction.

Frequently Asked Questions

To help strengthen your bones, try the following tips:

• Eat foods that are good sources of calcium and vitamin D.
• Get 30 minutes of exercise a day, especially weight-bearing and strength-building activities like walking, dancing, climbing stairs, and lifting weights.
• Avoid smoking.
• Prevent falls. Exercise may help you improve your balance. Also, remember to check for tripping hazards in your home.

Making healthy lifestyle choices can reduce your risk of high blood pressure, heart attack, and stroke. In a study of 55,000 people, those who made healthy lifestyle choices such as avoiding smoking, eating healthy, and exercising lowered their heart disease risk by about 50%.

The World Cancer Research Fund says at least 18% of cancers in the United States are related to preventable risk factors, including obesity, lack of exercise, poor nutrition, and drinking alcohol.

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Kocevska D, Lysen TS, Dotinga A, et al. Sleep characteristics across the lifespan in 1.1 million people from the Netherlands, United Kingdom and United States: a systematic review and meta-analysis .  Nat Hum Behav . 2021;5(1):113-122. doi: 10.1038/s41562-020-00965-x

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Soga M, Gaston KJ, Yamaura Y. Gardening is beneficial for health: A meta-analysis . Prev Med Rep. 2016 Nov 14;5:92-99. doi: 10.1016/j.pmedr.2016.11.007

McCrary JM, Altenmüller E, Kretschmer C, et al. Association of music interventions with health-related quality of life: a systematic review and meta-analysis . JAMA Netw Open. 2022;5(3):e223236. doi: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.3236

Tomioka K, Kurumatani N, Hosoi H. Relationship of Having Hobbies and a Purpose in Life With Mortality, Activities of Daily Living, and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Among Community-Dwelling Elderly Adults . J Epidemiol. 2016 Jul 5;26(7):361-70. doi: 10.2188/jea.JE20150153

Holt-Lunstad J. Why Social Relationships Are Important for Physical Health: A Systems Approach to Understanding and Modifying Risk and Protection . Annu Rev Psychol. 2018 Jan 4;69:437-458. doi: 10.1146/annurev-psych-122216-011902

National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. Bone health for life: Health information basics for you and your family .

Harvard Health Publishing. Lifestyle changes to lower heart disease risk .

American Cancer Society. Diet and physical activity: What's the cancer connection?

Chaput J-P, Dutil C, Sampasa-Kanyinga H. Sleeping hours: what is the ideal number and how does age impact this?   Nat Sci Sleep . 2018;10:421-430.

National Institute on Aging. A good night's sleep .

By Kirsti A. Dyer MD, MS, FT Kirsti A. Dyer, MD, MS, FT, is a board-certified expert in grief and bereavement, and an associate adjunct professor in hospice and palliative studies.

Healthy Living Guide 2020/2021

A digest on healthy eating and healthy living.

As we transition from 2020 into 2021, the COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect nearly every aspect of our lives. For many, this health crisis has created a range of unique and individual impacts—including food access issues, income disruptions, and emotional distress.

Although we do not have concrete evidence regarding specific dietary factors that can reduce risk of COVID-19, we do know that maintaining a healthy lifestyle is critical to keeping our immune system strong. Beyond immunity, research has shown that individuals following five key habits—eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, keeping a healthy body weight, not drinking too much alcohol, and not smoking— live more than a decade longer than those who don’t. Plus, maintaining these practices may not only help us live longer, but also better. Adults following these five key habits at middle-age were found to live more years free of chronic diseases including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer.

While sticking to healthy habits is often easier said than done, we created this guide with the goal of providing some tips and strategies that may help. During these particularly uncertain times, we invite you to do what you can to maintain a healthy lifestyle, and hopefully (if you’re able to try out a new recipe or exercise, or pick up a fulfilling hobby) find some enjoyment along the way.

Download a copy of the Healthy Living Guide (PDF) featuring printable tip sheets and summaries, or access the full online articles through the links below. 

In this issue:

• Understanding the body’s immune system
• Does an immune-boosting diet exist?
• The role of the microbiome
• A closer look at vitamin and herbal supplements
• 8 tips to support a healthy immune system
• A blueprint for building healthy meals
• Food feature: lentils 
• Strategies for eating well on a budget
• Practicing mindful eating
• What is precision nutrition?
• Ketogenic diet
• Intermittent fasting
• Gluten-free
• 10 tips to keep moving
• Exercise safety
• Spotlight on walking for exercise
• How does chronic stress affect eating patterns?
• Ways to help control stress
• How much sleep do we need?
• Why do we dream?
• Sleep deficiency and health
• Tips for getting a good night’s rest

How To Ace Your Healthy Lifestyle Essay

Photo by Miriam Alonso

Writing an essay on living a healthy lifestyle? Whether it's on the ways to live healthily or the importance of the lifestyle, this topic is a common one in exams and assignments. 

Since this is a well-loved topic in IGCSE and SPM English essay exams, you really want to find a way to make your essay interesting. That’s why we’ve rounded up our four top tips to help your essay stand out. 

Healthy Lifestyle Essay Tip #1: Start With An Inviting Intro

Most students will begin with the importance of leading a healthy lifestyle. But to immediately grab your reader’s attention, why not begin with a question: 

What does healthy living look like in the 21st century?  

To take it to the next level, you could then follow up with some interesting statistics on healthy living. Here are a few for you to include: 

65% of Malaysians are practising healthier lifestyles since the pandemic 

Almost a quarter of the world considers themselves unhealthy

Only 56% of people think their health is excellent or very good

To conclude your intro, you can set up the rest of your essay for success by saying something different, like this: 

While eating well and exercising are important for a healthy lifestyle, there are other habits that we need to practise in the 21st century.  

Photo by Ketut Subiyanto

Healthy Lifestyle Essay Tip #2: Introduce Fresh, New Ideas To A Familiar Topic 

The body of your essay – where your main points live – is arguably the most important part of your essay. This is your opportunity to shine . 

Given the two most common SPM English essay questions are on the ways to live healthily and the importance of healthy living, we’ve outlined a few ideas below for both.

Essay Question #1: How To Live A Healthy Lifestyle

Often, students will highlight diets, exercise, and sleep as their main points. While these points are important to leading a healthy lifestyle, you could also choose 1 - 2 main points below to spice up your essay: 

Schedule breaks from screens 

Spend time out in nature and in the sun

Make time for your loved ones

Practise time-outs from technology

Do the things you love

Increase daily steps 

Try meditating

Schedule regular check-ups for your teeth and eyes

One important thing to highlight here is that while this essay question has been around for years, your essay doesn’t have to follow the same, tired response. 

Given our lives are so digital today – with online shopping and social networking sites – your essay can take a modern approach to healthy living. 

Essay Question #2: The Importance Of Living A Healthy Lifestyle

With this essay question, it’s slightly more difficult to highlight refreshing, new ideas. But fret not, we’ve found a few for you to include:

Protects your mental health 

Live longer 

Helps you save money (eating junk food, smoking, and drinking sugary drinks are expensive habits)

Fewer health issues and medical expenses

Builds your self-esteem and confidence

Increases your energy and productivity

Healthy Lifestyle Essay Tip #3: Expand On Your Ideas

Now, time to get writing! This step will involve fleshing out your ideas to convince the reader of your point. 

To do so, it helps to follow the PEEC format for essay writing . Here’s an example of how to build out an idea: 

Point : A healthy lifestyle is important to help build your self-esteem and confidence.  

Explanation : By looking after your physical and mental health, you’ll look and feel better. 

Example: For example, people with good self-esteem are more mentally prepared to deal with challenges and are less likely to pick up unhealthy habits. 

Conclusion: Even though it’s important, most people don’t know the major role emotional well-being plays in their lives. 

And if you’d like to add a bit of colour to your essays, you could also include a few idioms as you’re building out your body paragraphs!

Photo by MI PHAM

Healthy Lifestyle Essay Tip #4: End Positively & Confidently

The finish line is in sight and it’s time to make a good final impression! Your conclusion should suggest to your reader that you have accomplished what you set out to prove in your intro. 

Here’s what you should include: 

Rephrase the final sentence in your first paragraph, i.e. the purpose of your essay 

Summarise the main points of your essay in one sentence

End positively to make your reader feel they have learned something

For example, say your essay is on how to live a healthy lifestyle with the introduction outlined in Tip #1 and these main points: schedule breaks from screens, spend time in nature, and do the things you love. This is how you could conclude:

Rephrase : There are many ways to live a healthy life beyond the basics of eating, sleeping, and exercising correctly. 

Summarise: By scheduling time away from technology, surrounding yourself with nature and making time for your hobbies, you’ll definitely feel happier and healthier. 

End Positively: It’s never too late to change your lifestyle to truly enjoy the benefits of healthy living. 

As you can see in our example, we’ve reworded key points and sentences previously used. By following this format, you can conclude with confidence every time.  

Why Learning English Is Important Essay: Points You Can Use & A Sample Essay

4 tips to writing a memorable essay about social networking sites.

Home | Health | Healthy Lifestyle

Essays on Healthy Lifestyle

27 essay samples on this topic, essay examples, the importance of good health.

Healthy Lifestyle

Habits in Children Healthy Lifestyle Argumentative Essay

Healthy Food

Why Healthy Lifestyle is Important

What is healthy lifestyle, promoting healthy lifestyle.

Universal Health Care

8 Tips to Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle

Health behaviors for a healthier lifestyle, 5 tips to maintain a healthy lifestyle with hectic schedule, how to start healthy lifestyle, healthy lifestyle of african americans scale.

African American

information

A healthy lifestyle is something that everyone dreams of. With every passing day, we are witnessing new technologies and facilities that contribute to maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and everyone is trying to get it. We believe you want to write a healthy lifestyle essay by finding you here on our website. In that case, you have landed at the best place as you will get all kinds of relevant data and information from here. We have gathered the most authentic and relevant data here, which will assist you in writing any topic like how to live a healthy lifestyle essay. You are more than welcome to read all the sample essays related to this topic, and you can outline as per your requirements which will ultimately lead you to write a quality essay on healthy lifestyle. We also encourage you to keep yourself up-to-date about this topic and keep on uploading the updated content all the time.

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What is a healthy lifestyle (a definition), healthy lifestyle benefits.

Opposite of A Healthy Lifestyle

• Binge-eating or overeating
• Unhealthy caloric restrictions
• Consuming processed foods and beverages
• Heavy drinking
• Using drugs
• Poor hygiene
• Lack of physical activity
• Lack of adequate sleep
• Spending too much time on social media or watching TV
• Risky sexual behaviors
• Skipping routine medical and dental checkups

Healthy Lifestyle Choices

• Eating whole foods instead of processed foods
• Eating mindfully and thoughtfully
• Avoiding substances of abuse
• Being physically active 
• Getting adequate sleep
• Good hygiene habits
• Practicing safe sex
• Prioritizing medical and mental care needs

Making Healthy Lifestyle Changes

Building Healthy Lifestyle Habits

How to have a healthy lifestyle, video: how to build healthy habits without dieting.

Exercises for A Healthy Lifestyle

• Walking briskly 
• Water aerobics
• Riding a bicycle (slow)
• Tennis (doubles)
• Washing your car
• Raking leaves
• Cleaning activities (vacuuming, mopping, etc.)
• Hiking uphill
• Jumping rope
• Swimming laps
• Riding a bicycle (fast)
• Farming activities
• Tennis (singles)
• Shoveling snow
• Basketball, hockey, soccer, and other running-based sports
• Martial arts

Diet for A Healthy Lifestyle

Video: healthy lifestyle - the ideal diet for humans ​.

Healthy Lifestyle Tips

Quotes about a healthy lifestyle.

• “It is health that is real wealth, and not pieces of gold and silver.” – Mahatma Gandhi
• “To keep the body in good health is a duty, otherwise we shall not be able to keep our mind strong and clear.” – Buddha
• “Lack of activity destroys the good condition of every human being, while movement and methodical physical exercise save it and preserve it.” – Plato
• “The groundwork for all happiness is good health.” – Leigh Hunt
• “The greatest wealth is health.” – Virgil
• “The food you eat can be either the safest and most powerful form of medicine or the slowest form of poison.” – Ann Wigmore

Articles Related to Healthy Lifestyle

• Live Healthier: How to Create a Healthy Lifestyle
• 60 Products to Buy for a Healthy Body, Mind, and Home ​
• Nutrition: Definition, Benefits, & Facts
• High Fiber Foods: Examples, Benefits, & List​
• Healthy Snacks: Easy Ideas For Kids & Adults

Books Related to Healthy Lifestyle​

• Eat. Sleep. Move. Breath: The Beginner’s Guide to Living A Healthy Lifestyle
• Mini Habits for Weight Loss: Stop Dieting. Form New Habits. Change Your Lifestyle Without Suffering.
• ​How Not to Die: Discover the Foods Scientifically Proven to Prevent and Reverse Disease

Final Thoughts on A Healthy Lifestyle

Don't forget to grab our free ebook to learn how to grow your wellness business exponentially.

• American Heart Association. (2022). American Heart Association Recommendations for Physical Activity in Adults and Kids .  
• Bowden Davies, K. A., Pickles, S., Sprung, V. S., Kemp, G. J., Alam, U., Moore, D. R., ... & Cuthbertson, D. J. (2019). Reduced physical activity in young and older adults: metabolic and musculoskeletal implications . Therapeutic advances in endocrinology and metabolism , 10 , 2042018819888824.
• Cockerham, W. C. (2021). Health lifestyles: bringing structure back . The Wiley Blackwell Companion to Medical Sociology , 150-170.
• Li, Y., Pan, A., Wang, D. D., Liu, X., Dhana, K., Franco, O. H., ... & Hu, F. B. (2018). Impact of healthy lifestyle factors on life expectancies in the US population . Circulation, 138(4), 345-355.
• Loef, M., & Walach, H. (2012). The combined effects of healthy lifestyle behaviors on all cause mortality: a systematic review and meta-analysis . Preventive medicine, 55(3), 163-170.
• MacIntosh, B. R., Murias, J. M., Keir, D. A., & Weir, J. M. (2021). What Is Moderate to Vigorous Exercise Intensity? . Frontiers in Physiology, 1481.
• NHLBI. (2022). Healthy Eating Plan .  Retrieved 14 March 2022.
• Visser, M., Wijnhoven, H. A., Comijs, H. C., Thomése, F. G., Twisk, J. W., & Deeg, D. J. (2019). A healthy lifestyle in old age and prospective change in four domains of functioning . Journal of aging and health, 31(7), 1297-1314.
• World Health Organization. (2010). Global recommendations on physical activity for health. World Health Organization Report. ​

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A Healthy Lifestyle: Why Is It Important? Research Paper

Introduction.

Health habits adoption can protect people from severe physical health problems. They include healthy nutrition and regular physical activities and have positive “side effects” like loss of weight and increase of energy. Even minor health problems affect other life aspects, sometimes even overshadowing them (Scott, 2020). Still, there are many factors to be researched by an individual before starting his or her healthy lifestyle. Although it is a time-consuming and challenging process, commitment to healthy habits is a working tool for feeling better and avoiding stress.

Start from the Childhood

There are several basic ways to start forming a child’s healthy lifestyle. Everyday activity is one of the primer ones, as, in the current era of technologies, it is complicated to limit the time spent in front of different gadgets or TV. Nevertheless, healthy growth and development are impossible without being active. Children and teenagers should get at least an hour of daily physical activities, including vigorous ones.

Choosing water as a drink instead of any sweetened drinks like soft drinks or fruit juices is another crucial factor. The whole fruit is always more beneficial than the fruit juice for a child’s health and well-being. Reduced-fat milk is one of the best sources of calcium. Eating more vegetables and fruits is essential for children and youth. Moreover, they might be healthy snacks instead of chips, hamburgers, and other meals of doubtful benefit. It is highly recommended to include fruit and vegetables into the daily ratio to prevent the risk of a variety of chronic diseases.

The Importance of Breakfast

There are valid advantages of eating in the morning, according to scientists. The benefits of starting one’s day with a full meal start from decreasing BMI. Numerous researches proved that missing the morning meal leads to being overweight (“Why breakfast,” n.d.). Moreover, breakfast leads to a decrease in fat consumption during the day. Breakfast should include some fruit and vegetables to meet the demands of their daily norm. This meal is highly essential for the increase of daily calcium and fiber intake. Additionally, breakfast affects daily performance, improves attention and memory, primarily related to school-aged children. It is noteworthy that there is an established interrelation between skipping breakfast and gaining risky behaviors like alcohol and drug abuse or smoking.

The Role of Carbs

During the process of digestion, carbohydrates are converted into sugar or glucose in the body. In turn, glucose is an essential source of fuel for people. It is crucial for the brain, which may not be substituted by protein or fat for its normal functioning. There are two types of carbs – simple and complex. Simple carbs may be contained in table sugar, fruit juice and fruit, dairy products, and sugar. Complex carbs may be found in grain products like pasta, bread, rice, and crackers. They are also present in sweet potato, corn, white potato, peas, and butternut. People should not wholly exclude carbs from their ration, as they are an essential part of a healthy diet. It is healthier to pick carbs bursting with minerals, vitamins, fiber, and protein. All carbs are transformed into glucose and, therefore, increase blood sugar. Those with fiber, such as apples, beans, 100% whole-wheat bread, and broccoli, take more time to be digested and, hence, release glucose into the blood slower (“Carbohydrates ,” 2015). Blood glucose plays a vital role in the control of weight and diabetes.

Protein Issue

As people get older, protein is becoming more crucial for preserving strength and muscle mass. Additionally, rational protein consumption is obligatory to prevent malnutrition. Some people advocate for a high protein diet to speed up metabolism and facilitate weight loss, although success in this regard varies greatly. There is also no accurately established norm of daily protein consumption. Commonly, men are believed to need 56 g/day, while women – 46 g/day (“When it comes to protein,” n.d.). Nevertheless, sportspeople eager to gain muscle mass need many more.

There is an averaged formula for counting the daily norm of a protein called RDA (recommended daily allowance), which is 0,8 grams per kg of the body (“When it comes to protein,” n.d.). Therefore, the daily norm may extensively differ dependent on the weight of a separately taken individual. If counted based on calorie percentage, protein should occupy not less than 10% of daily consumed calories in total (“When it comes to protein,” n.d.). It is also imperative to take into account the type of protein obtained from different meals. For instance, one should prefer consuming yogurt, salmon, or beans instead of red meat for healthier benefits.

What Exactly Coconut Oil Is

The popularity of coconut oil soared immensely during recent years due to the touted health benefits. Coconut oil has become a trend, fueled by celebrities. They state that the oil can control appetite blasting away belly fat, improve immunity, prevent heart and vascular diseases, stave off Alzheimer’s disease, and dementia. It is noteworthy that over 70% of Americans rate coconut oil as a healthy product. Still, there is only about 35% of scientists and nutrition experts hold the same view (“Coconut oil,” n.d.). Several trending diets include coconut oil like Paleo and ketogenic diets. Indeed, this oil is free of fiber and cholesterol, but simultaneously it contains only traces of plant sterols, minerals, and vitamins. Plant sterols mimic blood cholesterol, therefore, blocking its absorption by the body. Nevertheless, its amount in coconut oil is too small to produce a considerable effect.

The Ways to Handle Sugar Cravings

For handling sugar cravings, it is obligatory to have the tests of cortisol and melatonin fluctuations on hands. If the tests are normal, one should shift to recognizing bad habits. There is a secure method to start a healthy practice. For instance, when one feels craving: replace pastry with a glass of water or several jumping jacks. Incorporating more fats and proteins into the diet also helps to handle the needs. Avoiding snacks that contain all carbohydrates is also a reasonable move. There are also several food supplements useful for treating sugar cravings. For instance, they are highly absorbable forms of calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, and chromium supplements.

Sugar cravings might be a result of insufficient sleep or sleep of low quality. Going to bed and waking up at the same time every day can solve the problem of sugar carvings. Sugar is the source of serotonin, but not the only one. Green tea, cheese, eggs, and walnuts are sugar’s worthy rivals in this regard. Additionally, an increase in physical activity and exercise routine can increase one’s serotonin level significantly.

Cleanse Diets

Cleanse diets are usually short-term; therefore, they are not necessarily harmful. Nevertheless, their promised effects are very overpriced. Today, scientists did not provide people with convincing evidence proving the cleansing diets health claims. Moreover, there are specific side effects that can be caused by the cleanse diets, while some of them might be harmful. These warnings and the evidence do not stop the popularity of cleansing diets, partially due to their promotion by celebrities.

In the vast majority of cases, these diets make their followers feel hungry and even deprived. There are also several categories of risk when it comes to cleansing diets, including pregnant women and nursing mothers. Certain health conditions are also contradictory for cleansing diets: kidney diseases, diabetes, liver diseases, and any other chronic conditions. Before keeping on a cleansing diet, one should necessarily consult with a health professional.

Exercising Frequency

The recommendations of the Department of Health and Human Services are as follows: the weekly norm of aerobic activity should reach at least 150 minutes. As an alternative, one can have 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic exercise like aerobic dancing and running instead (Laskowski, n.d.). The course should be spread equally throughout the week, even if one gets a more significant physical load. If an individual is involved in strength training, all groups of muscles should be trained at least twice a week. In turn, adherents of moderate activity should pay attention to swimming, brisk walking, and mowing the lawn. Strength training might include the use of one’s body weight, weight machines, resistant exercises, or, for instance, rock climbing. For losing weight, more exercising and fitness goals are needed and should include around 300 minutes a week (Laskowski, n.d.).

Options for People Hating Exercising

Under the modern rhythm of life, sometimes people run out of time for exercising. There are still several ways to make one’s lifestyle healthier. One can start by reducing sitting time, as its impact on the metabolic processes is crucial. Therefore, sitting for a long time negatively affects both one’s health and longevity. Any activity is useful: a few short walks daily might substitute the recommended half an hour continuous walk.

Sleep mode adjustment is obligatory for a healthy lifestyle either as it affects not only brain activity but also one’s weight. Lessening stress plays a vital role as stress can destruct any system of one’s body. Another part of a healthy lifestyle is a sufficient amount of time spent on rest from working. Vacations with zero access to work, including messaging once in six months, should be an integral part of people’s life. People caring about their lifestyle and hating exercising should at least refine their diets. It means fewer snacks and more fruit, vegetables, and pure water. Finally, people might dislike physical activity like a workout, running, and others. Nevertheless, there are still other options with the same health benefit as yoga, Zumba, or even cycling with friends.

Counting Calories

Consuming fewer calories than burning helps lose weight, although, from the health point of view, calories might differ. People should distinguish between concepts of calories quantity and nutritional quality, having a different impact on their health. Different foods affect people’s appetite, hormone levels, metabolic processes, and hunger in different ways. For example, 100 calories received from apples diminish appetite more efficiently than the same quantity from donuts (“Counting calories,” n.d.). Hence, eating donuts puts you at the risk of overeating during the day, so the calorie deficit is under threat. Whereas from the biological point of view, loss of weight requires a calorie deficit.

Yet, there is evidence that the quality of food is more important than its quantity. For instance, examining two groups receiving an equal amount of calories but keeping on different diets (high-carb and low-carb), the results will differ. Those keeping on a low-carb diet can lose more weight even if they get a higher amount of calories. Moreover, by restricting calories, people should add physical activities to get better results and keep their bodies tight and elastic.

Vegan Diet Peculiarities

The popularity of vegan diets is grounded by the various health benefits like the decrease of heart disease, cancer, and diabetes risk. Nevertheless, being a vegan, it is essential not to rely on processed foods containing much sugar, sodium, and fat. Moreover, vegans tend to neglect vegetables, fruits, calcium-rich foods, and whole grains, missing the nutrients these foods provide. However, a well-planned and balanced vegan diet is appropriate for everyone, including children, pregnant women, and breastfeeding mothers. A vegan diet should rely on plant-based foods, including those mentioned above plus nuts and legumes. If one has any doubt about whether his or her vegan diet is well-balanced, it is appropriate to approach a registered dietitian to create the right vegetarian plan.

Soy: Friend or Foe

Soy is consumed as a part of many processed foods and a source of protein. Nevertheless, it is quite a controversial product, as there is no general opinion regarding its benefits and harms for health. The myth that soy can prevent the risks of heart disease is debunked, but it does not hurt the heart either has many other health benefits either. It contains a lot of fiber; it is high in vitamins, polyunsaturated fats, and minerals, while the quantity of saturated fat is low. Moreover, some soy products, such as edamame and tofu, can replace animal sources like red meat. The issue with soy foods is that some of them have estrogen-like chemicals in their structure, and, therefore, their effect might be adverse (“Confused about eating soy?” 2018). Hence, products like nutrition bars and protein powders containing soy protein isolate or textured vegetable protein should be avoided. Whereas soy milk, tofu, edamame, and other whole soy foods may be consumed in moderation, for instance, twice a week.

Lifestyle and Mental Health

Mental and physical health should not be considered separate, although people often make a distinction between body and mind. Bad physical fitness increases the risk of psychiatric diseases development and many other conditions. It is irrational to rely only on medical therapy in case there are already some problems with mental health. Taking care of a physical state is essential and should never be neglected. Moreover, a healthy lifestyle makes people more resistant to stress risks (Scott, 2019). At the same time, there is scientific evidence that high levels of stress lead to depression, which, in turn, is highly associated with coronary heart disease.

Additionally, a healthy lifestyle makes people more friendly, so they avoid stress connected with loneliness and a feeling of needlessness. Vice versa, bad habits significantly increase the risk of mental diseases. For example, nicotine interacts with brains, particularly, with its chemicals like dopamine. Dopamine is responsible for positive feelings, so depression is often connected with its lack. Initially, nicotine increases dopamine levels, simultaneously blocking the brain’s ability to make chemicals (“Physical health,” n.d.). That is the reason why they need for nicotine’s level to increase rises with the flow of time.

Healthy habits like excellent and balanced nutrition, avoiding harmful substances, exercising, and others make sense. Any behavior is benefits emotional, physical, and mental health can be considered a healthy habit (Wilson, 2016). It is challenging to develop a healthy lifestyle, whereas adhering, is even more complicated. Nevertheless, any sacrifices made on this path are worthy due to the long-term positive impact on health regardless of one’s physical ability, sex, age, and other factors.

Carbohydrates — good or bad for you? (2015). Harvard Health Publishing. Web.

Coconut oil. (n.d.). Harvard T. H. Chan. Web.

Confused about eating soy? (2018). Harvard Health Publishing. Web.

Counting calories: Get back to weight-loss basics . (2020). Mayo Clinic. Web.

Laskowski, E. R. (n.d.). How much should the average adult exercise every day? Mayo Clinic. Web.

Physical health and mental health . (n.d.). Mental Health Foundation. Web.

Scott, E. (2019,). How does stress impact your health ? Verywellmind. Web.

Scott, E. (2020). Why you should take care of your body and health . Verywellmind. Web.

When it comes to protein, how much is too much? (n.d.) Harvard Health Publishing. Web.

Why breakfast is the most important meal of the day. (n.d.). Rush. Web.

Wilson, D. R. (2016). The benefits of healthy habits . Healthline. Web.

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World Health Day 2024: 10 Easy Lifestyle Tips To Boost Your Health

World health day 2024: below we share a list of lifestyle changes you can implement today for better overall health..

World Health Day 2024: Incorporate a variety of colourful foods into your diet

World Health Day is observed annually on April 7th to mark the founding of the World Health Organisation (WHO) in 1948. It serves as an opportunity to draw attention to global health issues and to raise awareness about various health topics that affect people worldwide.

WHD allows us to refocus on our health and the importance of taking care of our health. Making small but healthy changes to your routine can significantly boost your quality of life. Keep reading as we share a list of lifestyle changes you can implement today for better overall health.

10 Lifestyle tips to boost your health:

1. stay hydrated.

Drinking an adequate amount of water helps maintain bodily functions, aids digestion, supports skin health, regulates body temperature, and helps transport nutrients and oxygen to cells. The best way to follow this tip is to carry a reusable water bottle and sip water throughout the day.

2. Eat balanced meals

Consuming a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats provides essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals needed for optimal bodily functions. Incorporate a variety of colourful foods into your diet.

3. Get regular exercise

Regular physical activity helps strengthen muscles and bones, improve cardiovascular health, boost mood, reduce stress, and maintain a healthy weight. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise per week.

4. Prioritise sleep

Getting enough quality sleep is essential for overall health and well-being as it supports cognitive function, immune function, mood regulation, and physical recovery. Create a relaxing bedtime routine, and aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night.

5. Manage stress

Chronic stress can negatively impact both physical and mental health, increasing the risk of various health conditions such as heart disease, obesity, and depression. Practices such as mindfulness meditation, deep breathing exercises, yoga, and spending time in nature can help manage stress effectively.

6. Limit alcohol consumption

Excessive alcohol consumption can have detrimental effects on health, including liver damage, increased risk of certain cancers, and mental health issues. Moderation is key, and the recommended limit is up to one drink per day for women and up to two drinks per day for men.

7. Quit smoking

Smoking is one of the leading causes of preventable death worldwide, increasing the risk of various health conditions such as lung cancer, heart disease, and respiratory problems. Quitting smoking can significantly improve health and reduce the risk of these diseases.

8. Practice good hygiene

Practicing good hygiene habits, such as washing hands regularly, brushing and flossing teeth, and showering daily, helps prevent the spread of germs and reduces the risk of infections.

9. Maintain social connections

Social connections are essential for mental and emotional well-being, providing support, reducing feelings of loneliness and isolation, and improving overall quality of life.

10. Schedule regular health check-ups

Regular health check-ups and screenings are crucial for early detection and prevention of health problems. These may include screenings for blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, and various cancers, as well as vaccinations and dental check-ups.

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Following these lifestyle tips consistently and incorporating them into your daily routine can help improve overall health and well-being over time. It's essential to listen to your body, make gradual changes, and seek support from healthcare professionals or a registered dietitian if needed.

Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.

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Guest Essay

I’m a Doctor. Dengue Fever Took Even Me by Surprise on Vacation.

By Deborah Heaney

Dr. Heaney is a physician in Ann Arbor, Mich.

I hate mosquitoes so much that I take my own bug repellent to parties. But in early March, on a trip with my partner to the idyllic island of Curaçao off Venezuela, I was caught off guard by insect bites after our bed-and-breakfast hosts said that mosquitoes didn’t usually appear until late summer.

Near the end of the vacation, my legs began to ache. After I couldn’t keep up with my partner on a snorkeling adventure, he pulled me from the water. My ribs felt broken, as if I’d been smashed against large boulders in the sea. Later that day came intense fever, alternating with shaking chills.

Back in Michigan — weak, nauseated and dehydrated from explosive diarrhea — I ended up in the emergency department. Tests showed worrisome white blood cell levels and abnormal liver numbers. The physician assistant who saw me was perplexed; she gave me IV fluids and medication for nausea and sent me home.

A few days later I developed itching so severe that I couldn’t sleep. A bright red rash spread over both thighs and up my lower back. My brain was foggy, and my balance was so impaired that I would have failed a sobriety test. My primary care doctor had no answers. But as my head began to clear, it occurred to me to request a dengue fever test.

Two days later, the test was positive.

Despite my training in medicine, I was blindsided. Dengue, a mosquito-borne illness, is surging through Latin America and the Caribbean, including in Puerto Rico, where a public health emergency was declared last week. This year is likely to be the worst on record, in part because of El Niño-driven temperature spikes and extreme weather linked to climate change. As temperatures rise and precipitation patterns grow more erratic, the problem will get only worse.

But neither the traveling public nor our frontline health workers are prepared. Without urgent reforms to how we educate travelers, doctors, nurses and others — as well as reforms to public health surveillance and early warning systems — we will be doomed to miss textbook cases like mine. That means those infected with dengue will miss out on timely treatment, possibly even spreading the virus to areas where it was never found before.

The dengue virus, which is primarily transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, infects up to 400 million people every year in nearly every region of the world, but it is most prevalent in Latin America, South and Southeast Asia and East Africa. Most cases are asymptomatic or, like mine, are considered mild, although the aptly nicknamed breakbone fever often doesn’t feel that way. Some 5 percent of cases progress to a severe, life-threatening disease including hemorrhagic fever.

One malicious feature of dengue is that when someone is infected a second time with a different type of the virus, the risk of severe illness is higher. A vaccine exists, but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends it only for children ages 9 to 16 who had dengue before and live in places where the virus is common. That’s because, paradoxically, if you’ve never had dengue, the vaccine puts you at greater risk of severe illness your first time.

Dengue outbreaks, which, in the Americas, tend to occur every three to five years , now appear to be expanding their geographic reach as temperatures climb . The Aedes aegypti mosquito has typically had difficulty surviving and reproducing during the winter in temperate climates. But in parts of Brazil, which is experiencing a dengue emergency , the thermometer no longer dips as low in the winter as it once did, allowing the bugs to reproduce year-round. Overall, Latin America and the Caribbean have had three times the number of cases this year as reported for the same period in 2023, which was a record year. Higher temperatures are also helping the virus develop faster inside the mosquito, leading to a higher viral load and a higher probability of transmission. And mosquitoes are benefiting from standing water from rains and floods that are growing more extreme in a warming world.

As the virus spreads globally, travelers are bringing infections back to the continental United States. Based on 2024 numbers to date, this year should show a clear increase of cases here at home compared with 2023, given that the typical dengue season hasn’t even started yet. There could also be local outbreaks in places like Florida, Texas and California, which experienced small ones in the past. As Dr. Gabriela Paz-Bailey, the chief of the C.D.C.’s dengue branch, told me by email, “Increased travel to places with dengue risk could lead to more local transmission, but the risk of widespread transmission in the continental United States is low.”

But since testing is done only on a small fraction of cases, many are going uncounted. I was the one who requested that I be tested. Had I not been given a diagnosis, I would not be aware of my increased risk of severe illness if I am reinfected. Getting a diagnosis is crucial to inform those infected in areas where the Aedes mosquito lives so that the virus doesn’t spread further.

The growing risk means travelers to regions with dengue must be savvier: They can check local news and U.S. State Department advisories, bring an effective insect repellent and protective clothing and book lodging with air-conditioning or screens on the windows and doors. Though Aedes aegypti mosquitoes now live year-round in many locations and are pushing northward into new regions , thanks to climate change and other factors, there are still seasons when the risk is greater, and travelers might consider avoiding trips during those periods. Travel insurance with medical coverage may also be a useful precaution.

For medical professionals, this should be a warning. We need to start thinking about dengue as a possible diagnosis, not just a piece of textbook trivia. We should ask about recent travel when treating patients presenting with symptoms, especially symptoms not easily explained by other diagnoses.

Medical schools are gradually integrating climate change effects into curriculums . This is essential, since malaria, Lyme, West Nile and other insect-borne diseases are on the rise, as are other conditions like heat illness, asthma and allergies that are worsened by climate change. This work must accelerate, and training must include those of us who are already practicing. State medical boards should consider mandating continuing education on tropical emerging illnesses, as they do on many other pertinent topics.

After receiving my positive test result, I called the emergency department to leave a message for my previous provider about my diagnosis, assuming she had never before seen dengue. If we continue on this trajectory, I’m certain this won’t be her last case.

Deborah Heaney is a preventive, occupational and environmental health physician practicing in Ann Arbor, Mich. She also holds a master’s degree in public health.

The Times is committed to publishing a diversity of letters to the editor. We’d like to hear what you think about this or any of our articles. Here are some tips . And here’s our email: [email protected] .

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An earlier version of this article included an incorrect reference to the mosquitoes that spread dengue. They are members of the Aedes genus, not species.

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Staying Healthy

Maintaining good health doesn't happen by accident. It requires work, smart lifestyle choices, and the occasional checkup and test.

A healthy diet is rich in fiber, whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, "good" or unsaturated fats, and omega-3 fatty acids. These dietary components turn down inflammation, which can damage tissue, joints, artery walls, and organs. Going easy on processed foods is another element of healthy eating. Sweets, foods made with highly refined grains, and sugar-sweetened beverages can cause spikes in blood sugar that can lead to early hunger. High blood sugar is linked to the development of diabetes, obesity, heart disease, and even dementia.

Physical activity is also necessary for good health. It can greatly reduce your risk of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, breast and colon cancer, depression, and falls. Physical activity improves sleep, endurance, and even sex.

Finally, establish a good relationship with a primary care physician. If something happens to your health, a physician you know —and who knows you — is in the best position to help. He or she will also recommend tests to check for hidden cancer or other conditions.

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The physical sensations of watching a total solar eclipse

Regina G. Barber

Science writer David Baron witnesses his first total solar eclipse in Aruba, 1998. He says seeing one is "like you've left the solar system and are looking back from some other world." Paul Myers hide caption

Science writer David Baron witnesses his first total solar eclipse in Aruba, 1998. He says seeing one is "like you've left the solar system and are looking back from some other world."

David Baron can pinpoint the first time he got addicted to chasing total solar eclipses, when the moon completely covers up the sun. It was 1998 and he was on the Caribbean island of Aruba. "It changed my life. It was the most spectacular thing I'd ever seen," he says.

Baron, author of the 2017 book American Eclipse: A Nation's Epic Race to Catch the Shadow of the Moon and Win the Glory of the World , wants others to witness its majesty too. On April 8, millions of people across North America will get that chance — a total solar eclipse will appear in the sky. Baron promises it will be a surreal, otherworldly experience. "It's like you've left the solar system and are looking back from some other world."

Baron, who is a former NPR science reporter, talks to Life Kit about what to expect when viewing a total solar eclipse, including the sensations you may feel and the strange lighting effects in the sky. This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

Baron views the beginning of a solar eclipse with friends in Western Australia in 2023. Baron says getting to see the solar corona during a total eclipse is "the most dazzling sight in the heavens." Photographs by David Baron; Bronson Arcuri, Kara Frame, CJ Riculan/NPR; Collage by Becky Harlan/NPR hide caption

Baron views the beginning of a solar eclipse with friends in Western Australia in 2023. Baron says getting to see the solar corona during a total eclipse is "the most dazzling sight in the heavens."

What does it feel like to experience a total solar eclipse — those few precious minutes when the moon completely covers up the sun?

It is beautiful and absolutely magnificent. It comes on all of a sudden. As soon as the moon blocks the last rays of the sun, you're plunged into this weird twilight in the middle of the day. You look up and the blue sky has been torn away. On any given day, the blue sky overhead acts as a screen that keeps us from seeing what's in space. And suddenly that's gone. So you can look into the middle of the solar system and see the sun and the planets together.

Can you tell me about the sounds and the emotions you're feeling?

A total solar eclipse is so much more than something you just see with your eyes. It's something you experience with your whole body. [With the drop in sunlight], birds will be going crazy. Crickets may be chirping. If you're around other people, they're going to be screaming and crying [with all their emotions from seeing the eclipse]. The air temperature drops because the sunlight suddenly turns off. And you're immersed in the moon's shadow. It doesn't feel real.

Everything you need to know about solar eclipse glasses before April 8

In your 2017 Ted Talk , you said you felt like your eyesight was failing in the moments before totality. Can you go into that a little more?

The lighting effects are very weird. Before you get to the total eclipse, you have a progressive partial eclipse as the moon slowly covers the sun. So over the course of an hour [or so], the sunlight will be very slowly dimming. It's as if you're in a room in a house and someone is very slowly turning down the dimmer switch. For most of that time your eyes are adjusting and you don't notice it. But then there's a point at which the light's getting so dim that your eyes can't adjust, and weird things happen. Your eyes are less able to see color. It's as if the landscape is losing its color. Also there's an effect where the shadows get very strange.

Crescent-shaped shadows cast by the solar eclipse before it reaches totality appear on a board at an eclipse-viewing event in Antelope, Ore., 2017. Kara Frame and CJ Riculan/NPR hide caption

You see these crescents on the ground.

There are two things that happen. One is if you look under a tree, the spaces between leaves or branches will act as pinhole projectors. So you'll see tiny little crescents everywhere. But there's another effect. As the sun goes from this big orb in the sky to something much smaller, shadows grow sharper. As you're nearing the total eclipse, if you have the sun behind you and you look at your shadow on the ground, you might see individual hairs on your head. It's just very odd.

Some people might say that seeing the partial eclipse is just as good. They don't need to go to the path of totality.

A partial solar eclipse is a very interesting experience. If you're in an area where you see a deep partial eclipse, the sun will become a crescent like the moon. You can only look at it with eye protection. Don't look at it with the naked eye . The light can get eerie. It's fun, but it is not a thousandth as good as a total eclipse.

A total eclipse is a fundamentally different experience, because it's only when the moon completely blocks the sun that you can actually take off the eclipse glasses and look with the naked eye at the sun.

And you will see a sun you've never seen before. That bright surface is gone. What you're actually looking at is the sun's outer atmosphere, the solar corona. It's the most dazzling sight in the heavens. It's this beautiful textured thing. It looks sort of like a wreath or a crown made out of tinsel or strands of silk. It shimmers in space. The shape is constantly changing. And you will only see that if you're in the path of the total eclipse.

Shots - Health News

Watching a solar eclipse without the right filters can cause eye damage. here's why.

So looking at a partial eclipse is not the same?

It is not at all the same. Drive those few miles. Get into the path of totality.

This is really your chance to see a total eclipse. The next one isn't happening across the U.S. for another 20 years.

The next significant total solar eclipse in the United States won't be until 2045. That one will go from California to Florida and will cross my home state of Colorado. I've got it on my calendar.

The digital story was written by Malaka Gharib and edited by Sylvie Douglis and Meghan Keane. The visual editor is Beck Harlan. We'd love to hear from you. Leave us a voicemail at 202-216-9823, or email us at [email protected].

Listen to Life Kit on Apple Podcasts and Spotify , and sign up for our newsletter .

NPR will be sharing highlights here from across the NPR Network throughout the day Monday if you're unable to get out and see it in real time.

Correction April 3, 2024

In a previous audio version of this story, we made reference to an upcoming 2025 total solar eclipse. The solar eclipse in question will take place in 2045.

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