The 5 Tenets Of Health
What does it mean to be healthy? What are the tenants of a healthy lifestyle? How do you achieve and maintain good health?
These are all valid questions and ones that we should all be asking ourselves regularly.
After all, our health is everything. It's what allows us to enjoy life and do the things we love.
And frankly, maintaining good health is not as difficult as it seems - it is all about focusing on a couple of key concepts and finding a sustainable way to abide by them in the long term.
So, what are the five tenets of health? Let's take a look.
The Importance Of Health
It's often said that "health is wealth." And while that may sound like a cliché, there's a lot of truth to it.
Your physical health affects every other aspect of your life, from your ability to work and earn an income to your relationships with family and friends.
When you're not feeling your best, it's hard to enjoy and perform well at anything else.
That's why taking care of your health should be a top priority.
Of course, that's easier said than done. With busy work schedules and constant demands on our time, it can be tough to find time for healthy habits like exercise and proper nutrition.
But remember, even small changes can make a big difference.
Public Health Concerns
There is no question that the lifestyles of modern-day Americans are far from perfect.
We often find ourselves living in a state of constant stress, eating unhealthy foods, and not getting enough exercise.
This combination of factors can lead to a multitude of public health concerns.
And it is our personal responsibility to cultivate better habits and work together toward the resolution of public health concerns.
Now let’s briefly discuss the most prevalent public health concerns, shall we?
Obesity
Obesity is a public health concern that has been linked to an increased risk for a variety of diseases.
These diseases include type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and certain types of cancer.
Obesity is defined as having a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or greater.
BMI is a measure of body fat based on height and weight.
The cause of obesity is complex. It is often the result of a combination of genetic, behavioral, and environmental factors.
Treatment for obesity often includes lifestyle changes such as diet and physical activity.
Medications or surgery may also be used in some cases. Prevention of obesity includes maintaining a healthy weight, being physically active, and eating a healthy diet.
Mass-Produced Foods
Though food is more easily available to more people than it ever has been before in history, its quality has decreased drastically.
This is cause for alarm not just because of the obvious nutritional implications but because of the potential increase in food-borne illnesses due to lower standards of cleanliness.
In order to ensure that people are getting the nutrients they need, as well as to protect public health, it is essential that the quality of food available improves.
There are a number of reasons why food quality has decreased in recent years.
One is the industrialization of food production, which has led to larger farms with fewer nutrient-rich soils.
Another is the use of pesticides and other chemicals, which can have harmful effects on both the plants and the animals that consume them.
Finally, the increasing demand for cheaper food has led to shortcuts in the production process that can sacrifice quality for quantity.
Fortunately, there are a number of ways to improve the quality of food available.
One is to support small-scale farmers who use sustainable practices. Another is to buy organic foods, which are grown without synthetic fertilizers or pesticides.
Finally, people can cook more meals at home from scratch using fresh, whole ingredients bought from the above-mentioned places.
By taking these steps, we can improve the quality of food available and protect our own health in the process.
Stress & Anxiety
In spite of the fact that we live in the safest time for human existence, stress and anxiety levels are higher than ever.
One contributing factor may be that we are more interconnected than ever before, thanks to technology.
This constant state of connection can lead to feelings of overwhelm and a 24/7 feeling that we need to be "on."
Moreover, we are bombarded with images and stories of violence, natural disasters, and other threats, which can trigger our fight-or-flight response even when we are not in actual danger.
Finally, many of us have difficulty making time for self-care and relaxation, which can further contribute to feelings of stress and anxiety.
While it may not be possible to completely eliminate sources of stress from our lives, it is important to find healthy ways to cope with these feelings.
And in just a bit, we're going to give you actionable tips on how to do that!
Sedentary Lifestyles
For years, doctors have been telling their patients to move more and sit less.
And for a good reason - a sedentary lifestyle has been linked to a host of health problems, including obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.
The good news is that even small changes can make a big difference.
Taking a brisk walk for just 30 minutes a day can help to offset some of the harmful effects of sitting.
And standing up every few hours or so can also help to keep our muscles active and fresh.
By making just a few simple changes, we can help improve our overall health and reduce our risk of developing chronic diseases.
With that in mind, let’s have a look at what we believe to be the 5 tenets of health that you should go by in your life!
Eating Culture
In our fast-paced modern world, it's easy to lose sight of the importance of healthy eating habits.
With processed and convenience foods becoming more and more common, it's no wonder that cases of obesity and diet-related illnesses are on the rise.
However, there is hope for change. By making a conscious effort to cultivate better eating habits, we can create a healthier and more sustainable food culture.
This means opting for fresh, whole foods as often as possible, cooking at home whenever possible, and being mindful of portion sizes.
It also involves taking the time to enjoy meals with family and friends, savoring each bite instead of gobbling it down in haste.
If we can all work together to make these small changes, we can create a brighter future for ourselves and for the planet.
Stress-Management
Let's face it - proper stress management is an essential tenet of a healthy lifestyle.
When our bodies are constantly under stress, it can take a toll on our physical and mental health.
Over time, chronic stress can lead to high blood pressure, heart disease, anxiety, depression, and other serious health problems.
That's why it's so important to find ways to manage stress effectively. Everyone has different stressors and different ways of coping, so there is no one-size-fits-all solution.
However, there are some general tips that can help.
Relaxation techniques, self-awareness, mindfulness, and making time for hobbies and social activities can all help to reduce stress levels.
By taking steps to manage stress, we can improve our overall health and well-being.
Exercise
Nowadays, it seems like everyone is talking about the importance of exercise.
And with good reason - physical inactivity is a key factor in the development of chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes.
Furthermore, regular exercise can improve mental health, increase lifespan, and protect against certain conditions.
Given the multitude of benefits, it's no wonder that experts now recommend that adults spend at least 150 minutes each week engaged in a moderate-intensity activity.
However, due to the demands of modern life, many people find it difficult to make time for exercise.
Fortunately, there are a number of simple ways to incorporate more physical activity into your daily routine.
For example, you could take the stairs instead of the lift, walk or cycle to work or go for a brisk walk during your lunch break.
By making small changes like these, you can make a big difference in your health.
So yeah, put in the effort to exercise more! x3
Sleep
Most people know that getting a good night's sleep is important, but few realize just how essential it is to overall health and well-being.
Sleep plays a vital role in many different aspects of health, including cognitive function, emotional regulation, and physical healing.
Not only that but the quantity and quality of sleep can also affect things like appetite and weight.
People who don't get enough sleep may be more likely to overeat and gain weight, while those who get good quality sleep tend to have healthier appetites and maintain a healthy weight.
In other words, proper sleep is an essential part of a healthy lifestyle, both in terms of quantity and quality.
So if you're not getting enough shut-eye, it might be time to make some changes to your routine and get 6-8 hours of uninterrupted sleep, with no screens or big meals in the last 90 minutes before bed!
Social Life
While it's true that eating healthy, sleeping well and exercising regularly are all important parts of maintaining a healthy lifestyle, there's another factor that is often overlooked: social interaction.
A growing body of research suggests that social isolation can have a significant impact on health. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6638933/
And while it's easy to assume that social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter provide the same benefits as an in-person interaction, this simply isn't the case.
If you're looking to improve your health, don't forget the importance of maintaining a strong social life.
Final Thoughts
These are, in our opinion, the 5 tenets of health. All of these are essential for a healthy body and mind.
Eating a healthy diet is important for getting the nutrients your body needs.
Managing stress is key to maintaining your mental health and preventing illnesses such as anxiety and depression.
Exercise is important for keeping your body healthy and strong.
Getting enough sleep is crucial for your overall health and well-being.
Last but not least, spending time with friends and family can help reduce stress and promote happiness.
Following these five tenets is the key to living a healthy life.