Even with good insurance, taking great care of yourself and your health can come at a hefty price. Sure, you feel great physically, but you can’t say the same about your financial health. To achieve an optimum balance between the two, it’s best to engage in preventive and protective health measures that keep you in good health without needing to see your doctor more than necessary.
Take Steps To Lower Your Cholesterol
One of the best things you can do for your financial and physical health is keeping your cholesterol as low as possible. That means eating oatmeal and other foods rich in soluble fiber. What’s so great about soluble fiber is that it helps lower the amount of cholesterol seeping into your bloodstream. Also, soluble fiber is good for your gastrointestinal health.
Schedule Health Exams and Screenings
Even if you feel perfectly fine, it’s still a good idea to make an appointment for health screenings and exams. Depending on your insurance, such screenings and examinations could be absolutely free. Specifically, women should undergo breast and pelvic exams and pap tests. Men should schedule cancer and blood pressure screenings.
Get in Regular Exercise
Of course, you cannot go wrong with engaging in regular exercise. Even something as simple as going for a walk offers a multitude of physical and mental benefits. Yoga, pilates, HIIT and bodyweight exercises are other examples that improve one’s health. With so many options, it’s easy for you to find a routine you enjoy and can easily stick to. Just make sure you try to change up your routine every now and then. Doing so helps to keep you engaged, and it helps ensure you engage more muscle groups.
Eat Raw Foods
The next time you’re hungry, do what you can to eat as much unprocessed food as possible. You may already be perfectly aware of the fact that most of the food we eat today is packed with unhealthy additives, pesticides, preservatives, and the like that don’t do our health any favors. Thankfully, raw and unprocessed foods are easier to come by. When you can, try to buy locally grown fruits and vegetables, so you help support the local economy while supporting your health.
Understandably, you may feel organic and raw foods are more expensive. If so, keep your eye out for sales and discounts. There could also be money-saving apps you can put to good use to lower your overall cost or get cash back from your healthy purchases. Consider growing your own fruits and veggies, or working with friends and family to do the same.
Take in More Antioxidants
You’re likely familiar with antioxidants. Know that they are just as good for you as you’ve heard. What they do is protect you from harmful free radicals roaming throughout your body when food is converted into energy. When free radicals have free rein, they can damage your body’s healthy cells. Taking steps to up your antioxidant intake prevents this from happening. Even better, antioxidants have also been known to lower your overall risk of cardiovascular disease.
Find a Reputable Doctor
For those times when you absolutely have to see your doctor, you want to see one who will treat you right. Seek out a local physician who has a good reputation and positive patient reviews. If you are part of a special medical demographic, such as someone who has a pre-existing condition, it is especially important that you find a physician who has experience with patients like you. Just as you can check out Harry Stylli’s LinkedIn profile, you may want to do the same for any physician you consider. Your choice of a physician can hurt you just as much as it can help, so be sure to choose wisely.
Develop Good Hygiene Habits
Something as simple and basic as washing your hands goes a long way in keeping you healthy. You may not think about how many germs and bacteria you come in contact with on a daily basis, which could lead you to neglect washing your hands as much and as thoroughly as you should. Not only is washing your hands good for you, but it also benefits the people you come in contact with.
Get Plenty of Sleep
You know sleep is essential to being able to properly function throughout the day, but do you know what else healthy sleep does for you? When you sleep, you give your body the time it needs to grow, repair, and restore tissues and cells. Not only do you have more energy when you get adequate sleep, but you also help lower your risk of dementia and cardiovascular complications.
Learn How To Handle Stress
Do you lead a life rife with stress? If so, you aren’t doing your mental, emotional, or physical health any favors. No one knows what kicks off your stress response like you do, so learn to identify triggers so you can stay in balance. It’s best to take a preventative approach to delay stress rather than wait for it to hit you before you do something about it.
You cannot afford to be complacent when it comes to your health. Save money and your body with the help of these tips.
