Prime
Keeping track of your health
You do not have to wait until the beginning of next year to make some meaningful changes or plans. There are several things that you can still do to keep track of your health.
Rest
Each day, aim at getting at least seven hours of sleep. Many people do not realse that getting a good night’s sleep is one of the secret ingredients to great health.
If you do not get good quality sleep (more than six hours), you are at an increased risk of chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
Dr Vincent Bakyenga, a general practitioner at Uganda Health Federation says, “Your body needs time to rest and recover from the activities of the day and prepare for tomorrow. The body has a biological clock that follows the rhythms of nature.
This clock starts at about 9pm and at this time, healing, detoxification and other vital processes that sustain and restore health start. The body will only start these processes once you sleep and going to bed late means that you miss out on many of the benefits that sleep provides.”
Stretch
If being fit and healthy is really your priority, finding a few minutes in the morning before you start your day to stretch your body and keep it vibrant should be a priority.
He says, “Stretching improves blood flow and circulation to the whole body and especially to the brain which can, therefore, improve your mental sharpness and focus. It improves posture, especially for people who sit a lot throughout the day.”
Drink water
Dr Paul Kasenene, a nutritionist at Wellcare Centre, advises that one should start their day by drinking at least 500mls (two glasses) of water and then drink at least two litres of water througout your day.
He says, “Starting each day with water is one of the best ways to boost your health. Detoxification of the body happens when you sleep at night.
The drinking of water first thing in the morning helps to support the elimination of toxins and toxic waste that need to be removed.” It is good to drink water half an hour before meals and then one to two hours after eating. Try and minimise the amount of water and fluids that you drink as you eat.
Dental care
Using dental floss to clean your teeth is something that not many people often do but that can have many benefits to your health. There is a solid connection between oral health and your overall health. People who have more bacteria between their teeth and in their mouth are probably not flossing as much.
Flossing
According to Dr Paul Kasenene, Flossing improves dental health and reduces the risk for cavities and oral diseases. This is because the floss can reach areas between the teeth and remove bacteria and lodged food particles that even the best toothbrush or brushing technique cannot match.
