What are you doing to stay healthy? - Part One

No-one likes to be sick. Or worse still, in hospital. I’m recovering from back surgery, so I’ve had a bit of time to think about this. It’s no fun not being able to follow your normal routine. In fact it’s downright frustrating! Not that I am actually sick – I just can’t’ do the things that I normally do while I recover from the surgery.

From this....


to this. Not sick, but not well. (Yes, they are white stockings)

Here’s a revelation for you. Hospitals are full of sick people - really sick people. They look and sound sick. While I was in hospital I would lay awake and listen to them coughing (you know those continuous, hacking coughs full of phlegm – yuck!) and I’d see them walking the corridors, pale and gaunt looking yet remarkably overweight from a life of excess. I’m sure they hadn’t planned to be sick. (While I’m on about hospitals, what’s with nurses going for a cigarette break? Hello…? Look at the people you are treating)

But what plans did these people have in place to remain healthy? My guess is none. And as the old saying goes “if you fail to plan then you plan to fail”.

What are you doing right now to ensure you stay well, avoid sickness and, worse still, stay out of hospital? If your answer is nothing then maybe it is time to do something. Here is a list of 10 important tips to get you on your way.

Top 10 wellness tips
1. If you are overweight, plan to lose weight now. Being overweight or obese leads to diabetes, heart disease and stroke. This is old news.
2. If you smoke, quit. Smoking will kill you – slowly and miserably. This is also old news.
3. Re-read one and two. Do they apply to you? If yes, then get onto it now!
4. See your doctor. Get a comprehensive blood test – cholesterol, liver enzymes, thyroid, hormonal profile etc. Get your pulse rate and blood pressure checked. This is important. These are your baseline measurements by which you’ll gauge your progress.
5. Exercise more, or in some cases, just start exercising! I’m sure you’ve seen the add on television “find your 30”. 30 minutes per day is the minimum. Can’t do 30? Aim for two 15 minute sessions to start with.
6. Clean up your diet. Avoid processed and convenience foods. Aim to eat more fruit, vegetables and lean meats. If it runs, swims, flies or grows in the ground then eat it. If it comes in a box or has a bar code then avoid it.
7. Drink more water. Dehydration is serious and can cause major problems in your body.
8. Reduce stress – not only do you need to get your diet in order, you need to get your life in order. Are you tired and overworked? Spending more than eight hours a day at work? When was your last holiday? Money and or relationship worries? Get these things sorted.
9. Aim for progress, not perfection. Set small obtainable targets and focus on one step at a time.
10. Get help from friend or enlist the help of a professional. You don’t have to go it alone.

In Part Two I’ll discuss your Wellness Options.