Healthy Living Message

 

According to Davis et al. (2024), healthy living takes place when physical and mental health are harmoniously balanced. Healthy living is an important social change topic that needs to be promoted because it impacts individuals and society. From a social point of view, healthy living refers to “development of individual, group, institutional, community and systemic strategies to improve health knowledge, attitudes, skills and behavior” (University of Georgia, n.d.).

Davis et al. (2024) provide a series of tips for healthy living that I find useful for maintaining and achieving health.

Eating

The great majority of food consumption should include greens, vegetables, legumes, beans, whole grains, fruits (being aware of the sugar content), seeds, and nuts. Vegetarian diets tend to promote healthier lifestyles and body weights. Animal products should be consumed in moderation. Lean meats (fish, poultry) and low-fat or fat-free dairy are preferred due to their lower cholesterol content. Everyone should be aware of a product’s content of sugar, salt, saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol, and other food additives. In the end, one of the most important aspects of healthy eating is portion size. Moderation is the key.

Mediterranean Healthy Living Pyramid. https://fullymediterranean.com

Drinking

Drinking water should be adjusted to person’s size, physical activity, environmental temperature, and state of health. Coffee and alcohol (if not totally avoided) should be consumed in strict moderation. Sugary drinks should be avoided.

Tobacco and Smoking

Tobacco is very unhealthy causing serious medical problems. More education is needed regarding to the new vape hype.

Exercising and Physical Activity

Exercising and physical activity are fundamental for a good state of health. Regular physical activity has undisputable benefits. Exercising for mental health is equally important for a person’s well-being. 

Rest

Rest promotes body’s physical and mental regeneration.

Sun

Excessive exposure to sun can be detrimental to any state of health.

High-risk Behaviors

Any form of high-risk behavior (driving in impaired state, unprotected sex, riding bikes and bicycles without proper protective equipment, etc.) should be avoided.

 

References

Davis, C. P., Sruthi, M., & Stoppler, M. C. (2024, August 8). Healthy living and disease prevention. Medicinenet. https://www.medicinenet. com/ healthy_living/article.htm

University of Georgia. (n. d.). What is health promotion? https:// publichealth.uga.edu/departments/health-promotion-behavior/what-is-health- promotion/