World Health Day 2024: Making Changes For A Healthier Future

Every year on 7th April, we celebrate World Health Day as a way of promoting global awareness about different health topics. This day also marks the founding of the World Health Organization (WHO).

Each year the theme for World Health Day focuses on a different aspect of global health. This year’s theme is about the crucial roles that nurses and midwives play in keeping the world healthy.

And as the countries around the world continue their fight against COVID-19, the roles of nurses and public health workers can’t be highlighted more than in these critical times - without nurses, there would have been no one to look after the infected.

Nurses and healthcare workers are doing their best in the fight against COVID-19 to stop the spread of the virus. However, this pandemic has served as an eye-opener for all the people of the world. The need to raise awareness on health and wellbeing has never been as vital as it is now.

The outbreak has made it clear how important it is to maintain good health and hygiene for the prevention of health issues. When the world does steer clear of this pandemic, people will have to take steps to ensure that such infectious diseases do not spread again.

To do so, people will have to make necessary changes to their lifestyles and adopt healthy habits permanently. And there can be no better occasion to that, than on this World Health Day.

Lifestyle Changes to make on World Health Day 2024

Here are a few of the best practices that you can adopt to improve your immunity, stay healthy, and increase your life expectancy in the long run. Following these practices will help you become more productive in your work as well -

Eat Healthily

Proper nutrition plays a crucial role in staying healthy and being rid of health problems. Eating a balanced and healthy diet is of the utmost importance as it provides us with essential nutrients to function optimally.

Moreover, nutrition is one of the crucial parts of preventive healthcare. People who eat unhealthy foods are more susceptible to health diseases like obesity, heart disease, and diabetes later in life.

Also, certain foods contain antioxidants and minerals that help prevent health problems. They can be consumed in their natural form or the form of supplements. Some examples are Curcumin (Turmeric), Vitamin C (Citrus Fruits), Omega 3 (Fatty Fish), etc.

Exercise Regularly

Regular physical activity has been proven to decrease stress, increase strength, and decrease the likelihood of getting sick. It also helps maintain healthy blood pressure and blood sugar levels and improve cardiovascular health. Exercising is also a part of preventive healthcare, and people who exercise daily are less likely to catch a cold or flu.

Though it may be hard to find time to work out regularly, doing so can be of great benefit. Doing any physical exercise such as cycling, walking, yoga, strength training, etc. can keep an individual fit and healthy.

Get Adequate Sleep

Getting sufficient sleep is essential for the optimal functioning of our bodies. Lack of sleep can cause serious health issues such as mental and physical stress, depression, anxiety, inability to concentrate, etc.

Doctors and scientists recommend getting at least 7-8 hours of sleep every day to recharge our bodies properly. Also, there are many practices that one should avoid to ensure sufficient sleep and prevent sleep disorders, such as smoking, drinking, consuming caffeine, etc.

Hydrate Properly

Sufficient water intake is an integral part of staying healthy and fit. All living beings depend highly on proper hydration to function correctly, and without water, there would be no life at all. Our bodies are made up of nearly approximately 60% water, and as such, we need to hydrate ourselves with enough water throughout the day.

Proper hydration is essential for physical and mental performance. It also helps regulate body temperature and aids in the detoxification of harmful toxins from the body.

To keep yourself adequately hydrated, drink at least eight glasses of water every day. Also, try to replace sugar-laden drinks with water.

Take Care Of Mental Health

Good mental health is often neglected, but it is one of the most critical aspects of overall wellbeing. Being healthy mentally allows us to enjoy life to its fullest and cope with obstacles and problems with our best capacity.

Many factors can affect mental health, such as stress, lack of sleep, and so on. Stress, in particular, significantly affects a person’s mental and physical health as well.

However, activities like exercising, meditating, and yoga can effectively combat stress and help maintain good mental health.

Avoid Smoking and Drinking

Smoking tobacco and drinking alcohol are two habits that account for a large number of worldwide deaths every year. Both are incredibly detrimental to an individual’s health and can take a toll on their personal and social lives as well. They can cause life-threatening diseases like cancer, heart disease, and stroke.

If you are a regular smoker or drinker, try to limit consumption and, if possible, stop it completely. Doing so can help you become a healthier person and live longer.

Be More Hygienic

The current COVID-19 pandemic has made it clear how important it is to maintain proper hygiene to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Good personal hygiene is essential for good health, and we should maintain it even after this pandemic is over. Good hygiene practices can significantly help to stop the spread of germs and infectious diseases.

You should always follow practices like washing your hands with soap and water, covering your mouth while sneezing and coughing, etc.

Once you start to follow good hygiene practices regularly, they will become an essential part of your life. Also, you will be able to set an example for your family and friends so that they become more hygienic as well.

On this World Health Day, leave behind bad health habits and adopt good ones to become a healthier and fitter person. Being healthier can significantly improve your ability to tackle problems and tasks at work and in daily life much better. Overall, it will enhance the quality of your life and make you more content with it.

Besides working as a content marketer at Vantage Circle, Shah Alif Ahmed is also an internationally certified nutrition specialist, competitive bodybuilder and a musician. For any queries reach out to editor@vantagecircle.com