Healthy Lifestyles Awareness month is this February. But, what does a ‘healthy lifestyle’ entail? Is it simply about exercising and eating a balanced diet, or are there other health issues that are being neglected?

A recent study by Michigan State University shows that there are four main criteria that define a healthy lifestyle. They are classified as eating a balanced diet, not smoking, maintaining a healthy weight and exercising. Apparently, only 3% of the 153,000 survey respondents could say that they fulfilled all four of these requirements. “We have millions of people now going through adult life leading unhealthy lifestyles,” said Mathew Reeves, a Michigan State University epidemiologist. “If we don’t turn this around, the costs to society are going to be crippling.”

Get the basics down

“The only way to keep your health is to eat what you don't want, drink what you don't like, and do what you'd rather not,” America’s favourite writer and humorist Mark Twain once mused about all things healthy. This doesn’t have to be the case!

Although improving your health might seem like an insurmountable obstacle at first, you can start using only ten minutes a day. Whenever you have a moment to spare, try to use it in a constructive manner and you can save yourself time, money, frustration, and possibly even your life. Simple things such as straightening your posture while at your desk, brushing your teeth, grabbing an apple on the way to work, taking the stairs, drinking water and even a friendly smile can improve your physical health. Once you have incorporated small, unobtrusive changes into your daily routine, it’ll be no time before you start reaping the rewards – often in the form of extra energy, which will make it even easier! “Creating a healthy lifestyle doesn't have to mean drastic changes. In fact, drastic changes almost always lead to failure,” says writer Paige Waehner in her article “Simple ways to live a healthy lifestyle”.

Check in on check-ups

Living a healthy lifestyle should include action against all possible risks to your health – even those you don’t usually associate with the term, such as medical check-ups, tests and examinations. Make it a habit to see your doctor often, even when you aren’t sick, and research your family history for possible dangers in your genealogical past.

Essential balance

Although there is a consensus that obesity and lack of exercise are general health hazards, the fine line dividing the healthy lifestyle, which contains a balanced diet and moderate exercise, from the fanatically healthy lifestyle, where health is put on the line in order to achieve an unattainable weight, is often far lower than what is normal.

When in doubt concerning your health, keep in mind the words of William Londen: “To ensure good health: eat lightly, breathe deeply, live moderately, cultivate cheerfulness, and maintain an interest in life.”

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