Why Living A Healthy Lifestyle Is Important? | Dr Aarthi Govindarajan | Executive Director and Chief Radiologist | Aarthi Scans and Labs
A good and healthy lifestyle is pivotal to good health. However, definitions of health are no longer limited to the physical dimensions alone. Definitions of health have become more all-encompassing. Good health in our discourse today includes a variety of aspects such as mental health, dental health, emotional health and even spiritual health, in addition to physical health. Hence, the link between lifestyle and health cannot be emphasised enough. The emphasis on a healthy lifestyle has been prevalent since time immemorial. But our lifestyle several decades ago was different. Many tasks were accomplished by hand, in contrast to the present-day conditions. Manual effort was the order of the day. Machines today have taken over the home, the workspace and even recreation zones such as gyms. We are living in the age of automation and AI. The advent of machinery has shaped our lifestyles. Our lifestyles have become sedentary. Fitness has become a trend instead of a permanent state of being. We need exercise machines to help us stay fit. Advances by modern science and technology have also changed the way we view our health and our bodies.
Role of a healthy lifestyle
At a fundamental level, a healthy lifestyle consists of a balanced diet, regular physical activity, adequate sleep and micro-habits that will help mitigate stress. A healthy lifestyle translates into freedom from diseases such as diabetes, blood pressure and thyroid conditions. A balanced diet is necessary as it ensures that the body gets the protein, carbohydrates, fats and vitamins that it needs. It is equally important to eliminate intake of processed foods, sugars and a whole range of unhealthy and refined substances. Regular physical activity ensures that we are able to maintain optimum weight and stay within the Body Mass Index limit, a key metric of physical well-being. Adequate strength training and other kinds of movement during the day such as taking the stairs instead of the lift and simple home exercises go a long way in strengthening the body. Aerobic activity of moderate intensity is also a key part of a healthy lifestyle.
Stress: the modern-day enemy
Stress has emerged as a silent killer in today’s world. It can have a deleterious impact on physical and mental health. We are exposed to multiple stressors during the day. Stress can be acute, episodic or chronic. Therefore, it is important to adopt the right stress management techniques and incorporate them into our lifestyle. To begin with, effective stress management involves identifying stressors. This must be complemented by practicing relaxation techniques such as meditation, getting good exercise and adequate sleep. Frenetic lifestyles are a key cause of stress so it is important to slow down. Regular breathing exercises are an age-old prescription against stress.
Prevention is better than cure: The role of diagnostics
There is a lot of truth in the adage that prevention is better than cure. Diagnosis can play a huge role in preventing widely prevalent conditions such as diabetes and cancer. Diagnostics represents a proactive approach to healthcare, as opposed to a reactive approach. Blood tests, imaging studies, screenings, genetic testing and vaccinations are part of this approach. Preventive diagnostic measures help in early detection, reduced possibility of complications and enhanced health outcomes. Timely detection of diseases enables us to take adequate measures to combat diseases, as preventive diagnostics is scientific and data-backed. Regular checkups also allow for timely intervention and course correction. Recent news reports indicate that India has stepped up screening of non-communicable diseases as part of its campaign for early detection of lifestyle ailments. This will help detect diseases such as diabetes, hypertension and three common types of cancers namely oral, breast and cervical. The four major NCDs are cardiovascular diseases, cancers, chronic respiratory diseases, and diabetes. These share four common behavioural risk factors: unhealthy diet, lack of physical activity, tobacco use, and alcohol consumption. All four are related to our lifestyle.
Social Connections Also Matter
Social connections are also an important part of a healthy lifestyle. A supportive network of friends can prove immensely beneficial in shaping mental health. An active social circle canhelp cultivate hobbies and other interests that can help the mind and body stay active. Social connections can also pave the way to club memberships, activity-based classes such as crochet and baking, support groups and even online communities. Participating in such activities will help the mind and body stay active and alert. It will also guard against depression and loneliness that are becoming more widespread today’s world. It is vital to build friendships by being an active listener, demonstrating trust in people and spending quality time with those who matter. Regular meet-ups will help nurture connections and build a sense of solidarity among groups.
In the long run, it cannot be denied that the path to good overall health and well-being encapsulates a variety of elements right from regular checkups to eating right and building social connections. All these elements combined with a positive attitude will help achieve positive health and well-being. Positive thinking has also been known to encourage better sleep, a more disciplined exercise regimen and a better lifestyle. We would also do well to remember that it is our daily habits that contribute to long-term health. Whether it is eating balanced meals or exercising, consistency and discipline are the key to a good lifestyle and healthy future.