Well, if you’re like me and don’t have tons of dollars to throw at your health budget, here are 6 practical things you can do to keep down the costs!
Eat Right
This is a no-brainer, I hear you say, and of course it is. Eating healthily lessens your risk of heart disease, cancer and diabetes, all VERY expensive long term conditions to treat.
That means eating tons of fruit and vegetables, less meat and more fish, and a moderate amount of non-processed carbohydrates.
I am a caffeine addict. I admit it, shameful though it is. One or three cups a day will not harm you at all, but beware – you can end up having it for lunch, every day, without food!
Alcohol
And what about that old, old boogey man, ALCOHOL? Like coffee, one beer a day after dinner won’t do you a bit of harm and maybe even some good, but when it becomes your best pal, puts its arm round you before breakfast and stays till bedtime, then you have a problem.
Salt
What – salt? I hear you ask? Salt raises blood pressure and makes you retain water. Bloating? Eeeeyow! Disgusting! Sugar- rotten teeth, excessive weight gain, and an increased possibility of diabetes – need I go on?
Like caffeine and alcohol, sugar is one of the great pleasures in life but one that’s not to be used more than sparingly. A LITTLE of what you fancy does you good! I mean – there may be life without chocolate, but is it a life worth living? Of course it is!
Exercise
Now, I know what you’re thinking, but it doesn’t mean bench pressing, aerobic classes, stretching your body into a pretzel shape or any of these expensive gym type things that may do you a lot of good but cost you thousands of dollars in the green folding stuff.
Neither does it have to involve sweaty ten mile runs every morning in every sort of weather. Imagine your favourite hobby – gardening for instance. There is a much to be said for all that bending, lifting and digging.
Try walking the dog. Just pick up the pace a bit and maybe go for a few more blocks every morning. I promise you Fido, Rover or Spot won’t mind a bit, especially if he or she could afford to be a bit more streamlined too! Use your imagination. Use the stairs instead of the lift; walk to work if you can. Just do it!
Self-Examinations
Ladies, this is very important, and as one who has had eight fibrous lumps removed I can speak from experience. Once a month, do this: with the fingertips of your left hand, move in a circle over your whole breast and armpit pressing gently but firmly.
Squeeze the nipple and watch for discharge. Repeat for the other breast. If you feel any lumps or pain go straight to the doctor, preferably the same day.
Gentlemen, don’t think you’re off the hook! Testicular cancer can affect men of any age, so regularly do this: holding your penis out of the way, hold one of your testicles between the thumbs and fingers of both hands and roll it gently. Do the same for the other one.
If you feel any lumps or any change in consistency see your doctor at once. Yesterday if possible!
Grow your own vegetables!
This saves you money that could be spent on your health and quality non processed food. You don’t have to become a full fledged vegan but its not a bad idea.
Here’s some great bloggers to follow if you do want to improve your life and go the way of the vegan.
You can also recycle your household scraps to make a compost heap. This is looking after yourself AND the planet!
Remember that prevention is better than cure: if you have any doubts head to the quack straight away! Trust him – he’s a doctor!
Good health!
