We all know that living a long quality life, we have to choose healthy lifestyles that require commitment and discipline, such as eating well and exercising. There is no way around it, but there are also other things we can do to help extend our lifespan. Eat this, not that! Health spoke with Dr. Tomi Mitchell, a board-certified family physician with Holistic Wellness Strategies who shares five things he tells his patients to do to live longer. Read on and to ensure your health and the health of others, don’t miss these Sure signs you’ve already had COVID.
Dr. Mitchell says: ” It’s no secret that leading a healthy lifestyle is good for our well-being. Eating right, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep are important habits to maintain. However, it can be challenging to maintain these habits, especially if we don’t have the time or resources to do so. For example, eating healthy can be expensive if we buy organic produce, and exercising can be demanding if we don’t have access to a gym. This is where willpower comes into play. If we find the motivation to stick to our goals, we are more likely to see results.
Also, it’s important to remember that everyone’s definition of a “healthy lifestyle” is different. What works for one person may not work for another, so finding what works best for you is essential. We can significantly impact our overall health by making small changes to our daily routines.
As a doctor, I know the consequences of neglecting health. I have seen firsthand the devastating effects of putting off medical care or not taking preventive measures. In my life, I have made a commitment to put my health first and I encourage my patients to do the same. Eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and getting preventive screenings are important steps we can take to maintain our health. But of course, there are times when we will all experience illness or injury, but by taking care of ourselves, we can minimize the risk of serious problems in the future. As physicians, we see the importance of self-care every day, and I hope that my patients make their health a priority as well.
These are just five of the many things you can do to stay healthier than everyone else.”
Dr. Mitchell jokes: “Well, maybe I’m kidding, but there is some truth to this. Simple things like proper hand washing with soap and water go a long way.
For as long as I can remember, I have refused to touch door handles in public restrooms, if possible. I see them as a petri dish dirty with gross. If I can use a paper towel, my elbow, or something else to open the door, I’m all for it. Did you ever do the biology experiment when you took samples from “high-touch areas” in your school or college and grew them? I did, and the results were disgusting!
For all the doubters, I believe that the global scientific experiment, “also known as the pandemic”, has shown the importance of distancing and handwashing. Inside, I did a happy dance because I know some people don’t wash their hands regularly.”
“While it’s true that some people seem to defy the odds when it comes to unhealthy habits like smoking, the fact is that smoking can have a severe impact on your life expectancy.” emphasizes Dr. Mitchell. “Studies have shown that smokers are more likely to die prematurely than non-smokers, even if they only smoke occasionally. And it’s not just smokers who are at risk: Exposure to secondhand smoke has been linked to an increased risk of respiratory disease, cancer and other health problems. So while that person you know who smoked like a chimney and lived to be 100 years old may be an anomaly, the reality is that smoking is a dangerous habit that can shorten your life.”
Dr. Mitchell reminds us, “Drinking plenty of water is essential for good health. Every cell, tissue, and organ in the human body needs water to function properly. For example, water:
– Transports nutrients and oxygen to all cells of the body.
– Eliminates toxins from vital organs
– Moisturizes the mucous membranes
– Regulates body temperature
– Lubricates the joints
People who don’t drink enough water can become dehydrated. Even mild dehydration can cause:
– Fatigue
– Dizziness
– headache
more severe dehydration can lead to:
– Heatstroke
– embargo
– hospitalization
Chronic dehydration can also lead to serious health problems, such as kidney stones, bladder cancer, and urinary tract infections. Drinking plenty of fluids daily, especially in hot weather or when you are physically active, is essential. The best liquid for hydration is plain water. However, liquids like fruit juice, milk, and soup can also increase your daily fluid intake. Avoid sugary drinks like soda, sports drinks, and alcohol, which can promote dehydration. When selecting a beverage, look for one that contains no calories or added sugars. And be sure to drink plenty of fluids even if you’re not thirsty; by the time you’re thirsty, you may already be dehydrated.”
According to Dr. Mitchell, “There is a growing body of research that suggests gratitude has a positive impact on our physical and psychological health. Studies have shown that grateful people are more likely to exercise regularly, eat a healthy diet, and get regular checkups. Additionally, grateful people report greater satisfaction with their lives and are less likely to experience depression, anxiety, and loneliness. All of these factors can lead to a longer shelf life. Additionally, gratitude has been shown to boost the immune system, which can protect against illness and disease. So while there’s no guarantee that being grateful will lead to a long life, it seems clear that it can significantly affect our overall health and well-being. If you have a hard time having a positive attitude, try bringing a natural smile to yourself. It’s pretty hard to be angry and smile at the same time.”
Dr. Mitchell tells us. “Many behaviors can put one at risk for health problems or early death. For example, cigarette smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, drug use, and risky sexual behaviors are all high-risk behaviors. These behaviors can lead to chronic diseases like cancer, heart disease, and stroke. They can also result in injury, violence, and unplanned pregnancy. Therefore, it is essential to avoid these behaviors in order to live a longer and healthier life. Many resources help people make healthy choices and avoid high-risk behaviors. For example, Quit lines provide free advice and support to smokers who want to quit. Alcoholics Anonymous offers support groups for people who want to abstain from drinking. And many clinics and hospitals provide confidential counseling and testing for sexually transmitted infections. By using these resources, people can reduce their risk of health problems and improve their chances of living a long and healthy life.”
