In case you’re not clued up February is all about a Healthy Lifestyle and Awareness Month to remind us not to put our health on the ‘backburner’ but be hands on about our wellbeing.
Basic tips to keeping healthy this month are sourced from the www.gems.gov.za site.
Instead of automatically reaching for the salt shaker decrease your salt intake because too much can raise your blood pressure rather use pepper, herbs or spices to flavour your food.
Get your daily dose of Vitamin D, manufactured in the body after being exposed to sunshine as it encourages absorption of calcium and magnesium and is also found in tuna, salmon, cod liver oil, salami, milk and some cereals.
Another important mineral in our body is calcium for not only strong teeth and bones, but is also vital for other functions such as muscle contraction and prevention of osteoporosis. Eat calcium enriched diet of milk, cheese, yoghurt, baked beans and tofu.
Also eat foods from the five food groups – starch, fruit and vegetables, protein, dairy, fats and sugar as balance is key to a healthy diet. Try avoiding junk food found in saturated fats such as biscuits and pies. Too much can increase the amount of cholesterol in blood and increase your risk of heart disease.
Also try avoid foods that have a lot of added sugars, which contain calories and can cause tooth decay rather opt for unsaturated fats, such as avocados, oily fish and nuts, which have many health benefits of lowering cholesterol and providing us with essential fatty acids.
Ease up on the alcohol, exercise, stop smoking, socialise and stay hydrated, simple steps to follow and here are more health awareness days and weeks to look out for in this month.
February
- American Heart Month
- AMD/Low Vision Awareness Month
- National Children’s Dental Health Month
- International Prenatal Infection Prevention Month
- African Heritage & Health Week (first week of February)
- Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week (February 7-14)
- Condom Week (week of Valentine’s Day)
- Eating Disorders Awareness Week (last week of February)
- National “Wear Red” Day (first Friday of February)