7 Health Rules You Must Obey!

In my tribe when an elder is pleased with you and he wants to bless you, one of the things (s)he would say is ka kwa nka which means ‘may you grow old.’

Old age is a time of rest and a period of stock taking. It is that period when you sit back in silence to admire and enjoy the fruits of your many years of labour- your children, grandchildren, house (s), company (ies) and your other achievements. It is a blessing which every one of us should wish for but this blessing is like a seed which indeed must be cultivated and nurtured until its roots are strong in the soil.

Here are 6 health rules that should make that period a total bliss for you:

1. Eat Healthy: The importance of healthy diet cannot be overstated. A healthy diet can reduce your risk of diseases like diabetes, heart diseases, cancers, high blood pressure, bone loss and obesity. Eat plenty of fresh foods like vegetables, fruits, whole grains and low fat dairy products.   Note: Never skip your breakfast because doing so can make you irritable and can seriously affect your mental and emotional health which would automatically affect your daily output.
2. Engage in regular exercise: physical activities like dancing, brisk walking, jogging and swimming, squats and push ups enhances your muscles, heart, lungs and bone functions. If you judiciously indulge in daily physical activities everyday you will be strong at your old age but make sure you decide with your doctor on which is best for you especially if you have any medical condition or are pregnant.
3. Avoid excess alcohol use and quit smoking: You must avoid these two habits if you want to enjoy your old age. This is because while smoking increases your risk of stroke, heart attack, coronary heart disease, lung and other types of cancers, the excessive consumption of alcohol could increase your risk of cardiovascular disease, liver damage, high blood pressure and dementia.
4. Manage your stress, have some rest: This is a very essential thing you must to do to stay healthy to the end. Unmanaged stress has been linked to life-threatening diseases like diabetes and heart diseases which could affect your old age. If you want to learn about managing your stress click here.
5. Avoid canned foods: Bisphenol A (BPA) which is used in lining the inside of food cans is one of the endocrine-disrupting chemicals which has been linked to breast cancer, heart diseases, infertility in adults and diabetes. Stay away from can/packaged foods.
6. Plan your retirement age: This may sound out of place but it is something you should do to have a relaxed and fun filled old age.

Our life on earth is like an onion bulb, when you peel a layer it takes you to another layer- from birth to infancy, to childhood, to adolescence, adulthood (which also includes old age) and finally the dust stage. You can enjoy the 5^th stage to the fullest but like they say in HIV/AIDS awareness campaigns, IT BEGINS WITH YOU!

photo credit: telegraph.co.uk