Little investments for Good health

Today, with the help of Dr. K.M. Sunesara - General Physician, Mumbai, we bring you 20 little investments for good health. Follow these simple health investments for a better and healthier lifestyle...

Little investments for hood health # 1: Health insurance

Step one for healthy living; buy health insurance, if you don't have one. You definitely need to add health care insurance in your life, right away - says Dr. Sunesara. Health insurance is extremely important for all of us, as we never know when health will take a hit. Health insurance will help avoid sudden and huge cash flow issues that may lead to bankruptcy.

Little investments for hood health # 2: Health check-ups

After you have taken up insurance, make sure you maintain good health by going for regular health check-ups. A health check up consists of a series of tests that are designed to check if you are on the right health track. The basic goal of a health check up is to find the hidden disease in your body, prevent it from building, and lower its effect on your body. Health checkups have several advantages. By taking up regular health checkups, you are increasing your lifespan by improving your health and preventing it from deteriorating.

Little investments for hood health # 3: Fruits

Fruits provide various health benefits. Fruits are loaded with nutrients which are important for the good maintenance of your body and health. Hence, make sure you don't forget to buy fruits daily and consume them regularly. Dr. Sunsara says - the cheapest fruit available is banana, even eating one banana a day will provide significant benefits to your health.

Little investments for hood health # 4: Sufficient carbohydrates

Carbohydrates are the body's main source of energy and also rich sources of fibre and other nutrients, which help reduce certain types of cancer, diabetes and coronary heart disease. Invest in a constant supply of complex cereal carbohydrates and vegetable, pulses, bean carbohydrates in your diet.

Little investments for hood health # 5: Healthy breakfast

Make sure that you invest in a good and healthy breakfast every day. A good healthy breakfast is the key to good health. A nourishing breakfast helps to fuel your body and helps to improve your performance throughout the day. Besides, it also helps you to maintain your weight, as it helps you avoid over-eating.

Little investments for hood health # 6: Healthy oil consumption

Invest in healthy oils like Olive oil, Coconut oil, Canola oil, etc. Avoid oils that are refined and heavily processed. Healthy oil consumption is the very foundation of a healthy meal plan. Without controlled and healthy oil consumption your plans of healthy eating are incomplete.

Little investments for hood health # 7: Good oral equipment

Change tooth brushes, tongue cleaners and other oral care equipment frequently and as recommended by your dentist. When a tooth brush is used for a longer duration, it loses efficiency to clean the surface effectively. Hence, invest in a good quality toothbrush and other oral equipment regularly. Besides, invest in good dental floss and fluoride toothpastes.

Little investments for hood health # 8: U.V. sunglasses

Invest in good quality and U.V. protected sunglasses for the outdoors. A good pair of sunglasses won't just accentuate your looks but also protect your eyes from sun damage. Eyes are very sensitive, especially to harsh sunlight. Hence, don't save money to buy cheap sunglasses that are merely tinted plastic or glass. Buy good long lasting sunglasses that will protect your eyes.

Little investments for hood health # 9: Good mattress

A good night's sleep is very essential for healthy living. For a good and pain-free sleeping experience, invest in a firm and good mattress. A good foamy mattress will ensure that you feel relaxed come bed-time and avoid unnecessary back pains and constant awakenings.

Little investments for hood health # 10: Sunscreen

Invest in a good sunscreen, that will keep your skin protected when you venture outdoors. Choose a sunscreen that is at least 15 SPF. A good SPF count helps block ultraviolet B rays, which cause sunburn. A good sunscreen also helps to shield important proteins like collagen and keratin.

Little investments for hood health # 11: Buy an exercise mat

Buy an exercise mat not just to practise yoga when you feel like it, but also for a good stretching programme to aid your routine workouts. A good, personal exercise mat will help you keep things hygienic even at the gym as you will be able to keep it clean yourself. Moreover, when things get monotonous with other workouts, you can rely on your exercise mat for some home workout exercises, which may include yoga poses, push ups, crunches etc.

Little investments for hood health # 12: Treat yourself to a spa

Occasionally, treat yourself at a spa or go for a nice body massage. A good body massage will help you de-stress and iron out the kinks in your back, neck, quads, and glutes, leaving you refreshed and energetic. Even better - a good massage will be just what a week full of tough workouts needs.

Little investments for hood health # 13: Buy some basic home workout equipment

We always hear that exercising even for 30 minutes a day will boost the quality of your life. But, most people are unwilling to make that extra time to take better care of their bodies. If you belong to this group of people, then you need to invest in some basic home workout equipment, so that you are never without the means to a good exercise session. Step away from the typical 'buy a treadmill' advice and invest in some basic weights and equipment like resistance bands and a stationary cycle or better still - a simple skipping rope.

Little investments for hood health # 14: Go for a hike

After spending your week tirelessly completing deadline, give yourself a break by checking out weekend vacations that involve outdoor activity. Whether it's a trek to Matheran, a river-side picnic close to Delhi, or a beach mini-vacation near Bangalore, give yourself an outdoor break to liven things up.

Little investments for hood health # 15: Healthy diet

A healthy diet comprises healthy nutrients that you ensure form a major chunk of your meals and snacks. Add loads of fresh vegetables and lean protein to your diet regularly. Make sure you get all the categories of nutrients to maintain good health and state of mind. Never overdo the intake of any kind of food. Limitation of any kind of food is important.

Little investments for hood health # 16: Choose organic food

Prefer un-processed whole food over processed food as far as possible. Picking fresh produce and whole grains will help reduce the consumption of unhealthy processed food that causes obesityand lowered immunity.

Little investments for hood health # 17: Add supplements if your diet is inadequate

If you are not sure of getting enough nutrients in your diet to lead a healthy life, then ask your doctor to prescribe some supplements for you. Extra supplements will help make up for insufficient nutrients. Dr. Sunesara says - never be your own doctor, talk to your doctor before popping any type of health boosting pills.

Little investments for hood health # 18: Join a swimming class

Swimming is one of the best forms of exercise. Join a swimming club or register for a swimming class if you don't know swimming. Swimming at least thrice a week will help to build muscle tone and keep your skeletal structure strong and flexible. Swimming is particularly good for those with bone health issues.

Little investments for hood health # 19: Good quality products

Don't get fooled with cheap skin products. Though it might look appealing, the chemicals used in these products might ruin your skin pH balance. These disturbances can flare up acne on your face and cause permanent skin damage. Hence, always buy good trust-worthy products for good skin.

Little investments for hood health # 20: Fill up your jars with nuts and dry fruits

Consume at least a handful of nuts like almonds and walnuts daily as a snack. Nuts have numerous health benefits and they are quite filling as well. So replace your regular snacks with nuts and dry fruits, and you'll be able to maintain a good intake of essential fatty acids along with snacks that keep you satiated.