Springtime is the perfect opportunity for people in Thorold to re-evaluate our habits and prioritize our health. Experts tell us the ongoing pandemic puts extra stress on your mind, body and the healthcare system, so there’s no better time to take better care of your health.
Check out these three simple ways to support your health:
1. Focus on the physical basics.
Whether you’re perfectly healthy or dealing with a chronic condition, a few lifestyle basics can do wonders for your physical health. Prepare nutritious meals from unprocessed foods and exercise for 30 minutes a day at least three times a week. If this sounds like a lot, start with small changes. Try adding a vegetable or fruit to one of your meals or go for a walk around the block. Consider joing the Thorold Community Activities Group, Yoga Centre of Niagara or other place to enjoy fitness activities for a healthy lifestyle.
2. Don’t ignore the psychological.
Your mental health has a major impact on your overall health. While it can be hard to calm stress and anxiety right now, try to find small ways to live in the present. Practice a few minutes of meditation before bed or do one thing that brings you joy before starting work in the morning.
3. Know your risks for illness.
Many diseases can be managed well and allow you lead an active lifestyle if caught early. Knowing your risk factors for common conditions is key to prevention and early detection. One condition to keep in mind is kidney disease, which affects over 4 million Canadians and can lead to dialysis.
Very often, there are no symptoms when your kidneys start to lose function. That’s why it’s so important to know the risk factors, which may include smoking, high blood pressure and diabetes. Talk to your doctor about checking your kidney function if these apply to you or you’re worried.