Factors to Consider for Improved Overall Health
Your overall health depends on your diet, physical activity, and lifestyle choices. It is important to be proactive regarding your health, and a family practice physician Lady Lake, can help you streamline your daily routine for optimal health.
The following are important factors to consider:
Diet
The foods you eat contribute to your health, strength, endurance, and ability to recover from an injury. Fresh foods like vegetables and fruits strengthen your immune system, increasing your body’s ability to fight infections. Ensure to include all food groups in your diet for maximum benefit.
Foods like beans, potatoes, rice, and lean proteins like fish and chicken provide your body with the necessary energy without the added fat. If possible, trim your meat and remove the skin from the chicken to remove the excess fat.
Exercise
Regular exercise can strengthen your internal organs, skin, muscles, and blood vessels. Your body needs regular movement to help it function properly. You can include both aerobic exercise and strength training for the strength and endurance of your muscles. Walking, swimming, and lifting weights are great forms of exercise.
Maintain a healthy weight
Being underweight or overweight can affect your overall health and invite a doorway for certain infections or illnesses. If you are underweight, your body does not get the required amount of energy and nutrients that it needs. If you are overweight, your body has extra fat that can cause cardiovascular problems.
To maintain a healthy weight, eat appropriate portions and avoid skipping meals. Weigh yourself regularly and increase or decrease your food intake to meet your weight goals.
Sleep
Getting enough sleep allows your body to recover from the daily strains your muscles undergo. During the day, every organ in your body works hard to ensure everything runs smoothly. At night, you need to relax and help your internal organs to rest and reenergize for the day ahead.
If you are an adult, ensure to sleep for a minimum of about seven or eight hours. If you cannot sleep for the recommended time, include nap times during the day.
High blood pressure
Untreated blood pressure can affect your blood vessels due to the added strain that your veins and arteries undergo to pump blood. Once you realize that you have high blood pressure, contact your primary care provider for treatment.
If you have certain medical conditions like thyroid or kidney problems, you might be at risk of high blood pressure, and regular health checkups can help with early treatment.
Blood sugar levels
Your blood sugar levels can directly affect your overall health. Low or high blood sugar levels can lead to headaches, heart palpitations, or diseases like diabetes. It is important to evaluate your diet and exercise regimen to maintain normal blood sugar levels.
If you have diabetes, try and monitor your sugar levels and observe your lifestyle so you can adjust accordingly.
If you are at risk of certain diseases, visit Kalpana Desai, MD, for a family medical evaluation. Dr. Desai and her team will review your medical history and evaluate your symptoms for an accurate diagnosis. Call or book your appointment online to improve your overall health.