Six-Part Health Series (Part 1): 10 Things You Can Do for Better *Physical* Health (from the Avidity Medical Design Blog)

 

Physical health is important in order to have a happy and fulfilling life. The choices we make can help to enhance our physical health. This year, instead of making a strict resolution you won’t be able to keep, try to do these 10 simple things for better physical health.

1. Get Outdoors

Getting outdoors isn’t just about being physically active, but that is one of the benefits. When you are outdoors, you also get sunlight. The benefits of sunlight include boosting the body’s vitamin D levels, which helps the body to use calcium and can improve the immune system.

2. Exercise More

Most of us have inactive occupations and spend a lot of time at a desk or counter. This is why formal exercise is crucial to cultivating better physical health. You should get 30 minutes a day for cardiovascular health. A brisk walk is enough to keep your heart rate at an optimal level, but a variety of intense versus moderate exercise will yield the best results. 

3. Drink More Water

Getting enough water is important for physical health because our bodies are made up of mostly water. There are many benefits to drinking a healthy amount of water, which is approximately 3 liters a day. Without enough water, you could become dehydrated, which makes you feel fatigued and ill. 

4. Eat Fresh Vegetables

Vegetables are full of vitamins and fiber, and they are low in calories. This means the inclusion of more vegetables in your diet will aid in weight control and ensure that your body is getting proper nutrients. 

5. Wear Quality Shoes

When you think of physical health, pain is a common topic. People in physical health are able to move freely, and their bones and joints aren’t stiff. Quality shoes can do a lot to maintain physical health by improving gait and providing adequate support. 

6. Do Some Physical Stretching

Stretching improves mobility, reduces soreness, and improves blood flow. It may help reduce the risk of injury, and it feels good to loosen up tight muscles and get your blood circulating.

7. Include Fiber Supplements in Your Diet

Physical health involves being able to move freely inside and out, and getting enough fiber will keep your bodily functions regular and prevent disease. Fiber will make you feel full longer, so it also aids in weight control. One way that you can add more fiber into your diet is by including Benefiber. For adults, adding two teaspoons of Benefiber three times daily, into your coffee in the morning, or adding some Benefiber to your juice, soda, salad, or soup, is an easy way to get more fiber into your diet. For children ages 6 to 11, you would use half the recommended dose. If you are pregnant or nursing, you would need to consult your physician before adding Benefiber to your diet. You can also buy a box of Benefiber On The Go packets, and keep a few packets of Benefiber On The Go in your purse or in your wallet, and sprinkle it into your food or drink if you happen to be dining out, to make sure you’re including fiber in your diet, even if you happen to be away from home.

8. Maintain a Consistent Sleep Schedule

Getting enough sleep, and maintaining a consistent sleep schedule by getting up and going to bed around the same time each night (including on weekends), reduces stress on the body and allows your body to repair itself. It also reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease and can help in weight loss. 

9. Invest in Ergonomics

Part of maintaining physical health is simply being nice to your body. Use it properly, and it will work better. This means investing in quality beds and chairs, and it means sitting correctly at the computer. Ergonomics can play a large role in creating better physical health practices. 

10. End Unhealthy Habits

Lastly, don’t drink, smoke, or do drugs. There are a few other unhealthy habits out there that could be included on this list, but you get the gist of it. These things do damage to the body, and you cannot be physically healthy while engaging in any of these behaviors. 

Physical Health = Happiness

People who want to be happy typically include physical health in part of that happiness. Improving physical health involves behavioral change, and these 10 things can put you on the path to success. 

For more informative articles on healthcare, follow the Avidity Medical Design Blog. To enroll in a healthcare course, visit Avidity Medical Design Academy. For instructional design course development services, visit Avidity Medical Design Consultants, LLC.