Five Ways to Safeguard Your Health in 2017

Safeguard Your HealthKeeping yourself safe throughout your daily routines can sometimes be a challenge. For those of us who are busier and have a lot of tasks to complete throughout the week, keeping ourselves safe and protected from health hazards may be more challenging to remember. We get caught up in our daily routines and busy lives, and it’s easy to break healthy habits that can benefit our well-being in the long run. Its extremely important to constantly remind ourselves of these things, and keep a keen focus on doing all we can to safeguard our health.

Regardless of your age, gender, or demographic, there are plenty of ways in which all of us can relate when it comes to healthy practices. Developing an action plan, and identifying risky areas of your daily and weekly routine that could impose on you and your family’s health should be the first steps when developing a health plan. There are plenty of ways in which we can change our habits at work, school, and during leisurely activities to become more health-conscious individuals.

  1. Develop Healthy Work Habits
    Work HabitsYour habits at work or school can depict a large portion of how healthy you are. Since we spend such a large amount of our time at school and work, it’s important that we evaluate some of the habits that we exhibit at these places.
    While at work, do you take regular stretch breaks? Keeping your blood flowing at all times can help to improve mental clarity, and help reduce achy joints. Get up and stretch regularly, and take quick breaks to refresh your mind. For those who work on computers or at a desk job, slouching over the computer can be a regular habit that should be avoided. A slouched posture can lead to back problems down the road if not fixed early on.
    Also evaluate your eating habits at work. Do you regularly snack? Too many snacks can obviously lead to weight gain and more serious issues if healthy snacks are not consumed. For many employees, regular snacking can be an issue that you may not know you are engaging within.
    Another area to evaluate is your consumption of food during your lunch break. Are you eating out? Not only does eating out cost an individual a lot of money, but it’s also unhealthy. Consider breaking this habit and packing your lunch. Include a good variety of proteins, fruits, and vegetables. As always, stay away from fatty, sugary, and processed foods.
  2. Protection during physical activity
    physical activityDo you visit the gym regularly? Depending on your level of comfort at the gym will depict your ability and knowledge when it comes to learning the in’s and out’s of knowing how to properly use gym equipment. As directed by most gym trainers or instructors, utilizing instructions provided within labels on the gym equipment can help reduce your risk of injury while working out.
    Other areas of physical activity commonly practiced by working adults, teens, and children include team sports and activities. Depending on the nature of the game, protective gear should be worn at all times. No matter your level of comfort or ability, skipping out on wearing the proper gear can lead to serious injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries, broken joints, and even concussions.
  3. Reducing exposure to toxic material
    toxicDo you live in an older home or apartment? You may not be fully aware of the dangers that can accompany living in these types of homes. Homes that were built prior to the late 1970’s were potentially constructed using materials that are less than ideal under today’s safety standards. Roofing shingles, popcorn ceilings, wall coverings, and pipes have the potential to contain asbestos. Asbestos is a dangerous material that has the potential to cause mesothelioma upon exposure.
    If you live in an older home, safeguard yourself as well as your entire family. Have an inspector come out and evaluate the materials in your home. Lead based paint is another area of concern that should be considered when talking with the inspector.
  4. Keeping track of sleep
    alarm-clockSleep is the key to your focus level and energy throughout the day. For infants and smaller children, it is suggested that 9-10 hours of sleep is provided throughout the night to maintain a healthy level of rest. For working adults, and teens, eight hours of sleep is the optimum goal.
    Getting the necessary amount of rest can help to improve our ability to concentrate and and work harder while at school and our jobs. Large fluctuations in levels of sleep on a day-to-day basis can negatively affect our well-being and ability to function regularly throughout the day. If you are unsure of your sleep habits or abilities, make sure you are taking action to monitor how your body is handling your levels of rest.
  5. Developing a steady routine
    women artOne of the best and most valuable areas of our health and well-being is developing a steady routine. Developing a planned schedule can help in many ways, and allows individuals to have a consistency within their life. Developing a steady sleep schedule can help to improve energy levels throughout the day. Developing healthy habits at home, and regularly inspecting the functionality of your home can help to keep you safe from health risks. Developing a consistent gym schedule can help you to improve your physical well being, and learn more about how to properly exercise. A healthy work routine can help you to plan your day and know when you will be required to engage with work-related activities. Overall, developing an action plan or routine in all areas of your life can further develop your health, and daily routine.When evaluating your health, stop and consider the areas that you might overlook. A busy lifestyle should be no excuse for a lacking initiative to improve your health. There are plenty of ways and habits that can be altered to positively promote your well-being. In what ways can you implement healthier practices into your lifestyle, to become a healthier individual this coming year?