“Good health is not merely the absence of disease, but it is a sense of wellbeing physically, mentally and socially” (World Health Organisation, 1948).
Getting the balance right in modern day society is not easy. However, there is a lot we can do to help optimise our wellbeing. The following are important factors:
Activity:
This helps to maintain muscle strength and keep joints moving. Cardiovascular exercise increases heart rate and breathing rate. The heart is a muscle, and, like any other muscle, needs to be used to keep it healthy. The main muscle for breathing is the diaphragm which not only helps with respiration, but also with digestion.
- Exercise
By exercising regularly for example, 30 minutes a day 5 times a week, helps to maintain optimal health.
- Strength
Exercises used to build and maintain muscle strength helps improve posture and balance.
Diet and nutrition:
“We are what we eat” is a well-known saying, however it is true! It is important to have a variety of different foods, particularly fresh fruit and vegetables. Conversely, having the wrong food or foods which are high in saturated fats, sugar and salt are detrimental to one’s health. Having the right foods is important for tissue repair and immunity.
Drinking 1.5 to 2 litres of water per day is vitally important for the body. Some fluids, such as coffee (which also contains caffeine – a stimulant), can be diuretics i.e. they encourage the body to excrete water.
Sleep:
Poor sleep has been linked to obesity, heart disease and diabetes. 1 in 3 Britons suffer from lack of sleep. Ideally, most adults should have 8 hours of sleep per night.
Ways to improve your sleep habits include having the correct mattress and avoiding electronic devices before bed.
Mental and social health:
Stress is known to be one of the common issues for people who suffer chronic long-term pain. Good mental health and positive emotions help one cope with stress, uncertainty and low self-esteem.
There are many different approaches to stress management, which ideally, is dealt with on an individual basis.
Health at work:
Common causes of muscular aches, pains and strains in the workplace include prolonged desk sitting, use of a computer without regular breaks, long periods of driving, lifting and carrying and periods of a repetitive action.
Many of these can be aided by improving one’s posture and taking regular breaks.
Seeking treatment for any issues at an early stage from a health professional or osteopath will help prevent the condition from becoming chronic.
