Leading a healthy lifestyle is a commitment. Staying active and favoring healthier food alternatives over convenient meals require effort and time. And often, people who cannot commit a part of their waking hours towards their goal to jumpstart and maintain a healthy life are the ones who usually fail.
Proof is the recent Herbalife health poll in Asia Pacific which revealed that while majority or 64 percent of the 1,200 respondents in the region are “highly concerned” that unhealthy lifestyle increases their risk of acquiring diseases, a significant number cited “lack of time” as a key obstacle to healthy, active living.
The survey showed that nine in 10 respondents in Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia, South Korea, Thailand and the Philippines have a good understanding that by making nutritious food choices (88 percent) and exercising regularly (91 percent), their overall wellbeing can be improved in the long run. Unfortunately, 62 percent said they didn’t have enough time to exercise and 40 percent blamed “lack of time to make proper nutritional choices.”
Despite lack of time, 43 percent of respondents in the Asia Pacific region said they are willing to spare between 10 to 30 minutes a day to make simple lifestyle modifications to improve their well-being. But to help them in their quest, 79 percent highlighted the need for better knowledge and understanding on the practical steps to take.
“The findings from the Herbalife survey clearly show that the majority of people in Asia Pacific that we questioned believe in the value of good nutrition and exercise as contributing to their overall well-being. With as little as 10 minutes a day, consumers can take positive steps to improve their nutrition and be more active, which will improve their overall well-being,” said William M. Rahn, senior vice president and managing director, Herbalife Asia Pacific.
Regular blood pressure monitoring prevents stroke
According to records from the Department of Health, eight out of 10 people who had their first stroke are diagnosed with hypertension, but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention revealed that one in every five adults with high blood pressure is unaware of his condition.
Hence, prevention to deadly consequences of the disease such as stroke becomes more difficult, especially when it is said that more than 1.56 billion people worldwide are expected to have hypertension by 2025.
“You can have high blood pressure for many years without symptoms surfacing every now and then –what people don’t know is that the disease comes like a thief in the night,” said Pharex Health Corp. medical director Dr. Amado Nazal.
According to Dr. Nazal, hypertensive patients may experience frequent headaches, shortness of breath or nosebleeds. However, these signs are not expected to occur until blood pressure rises to its peak. This highlights the urgent need for regular monitoring of blood pressure. “The challenge comes in recognizing the disease and taking action before it leads to a stroke,” emphasized Dr. Nazal.
Apart from regular blood pressure monitoring, maintaining a healthy lifestyle is also important. Making better food choices, staying active and prioritizing lifestyle modifications, such as quitting smoking, will go a long way in preventing and controlling high blood pressure and its complications.
Obesity is no longer a first world problem, as a 2013 study by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute revealed that three out of 10 Filipino adults 20 years old and above are either overweight or obese.
But what makes one qualified as obese? “Obesity means a person has too much body fat as determined by his body mass index. People with a BMI of 30 or up are classified as obese,” explained Medicard Philippines president Dr. Nicky Montoya.
While genetics and medical problems can contribute to weight gain, its common causes are lifestyle related.
Cause: Sedentary lifestyle
Today’s technology have caused many adults to work in desk-based jobs that involve too much sitting and too little moving. Individuals who do less outdoor activities and sleep less often gain weight.
Solution: Go outdoors and exercise regularly
Outdoor activities, even a relaxed stroll to the park, can help burn calories. Accelerate weight loss with daily jogs and exercise sessions.
Cause: Steady diet of processed foods and sweets
Ready-to-eat frozen meals and potato chips are high in empty calories, which can lead to weight gain and deficiency of several essential nutrients. Meanwhile, overconsumption of sugary foods, like desserts and chocolates, increases body fat and cholesterol levels.
Solution: Follow a healthy diet
Go for fruits, vegetables and whole foods that are not processed and are low in saturated fats, cholesterol and sugar to keep your body feeling full longer.
Cause: Stressful working environment
When people are stressed, they are more prone to overeat and resort to “comfort foods” that are often unhealthy. Stress also causes the body to release cortisol which is known to increase cravings for sugary and fatty foods.
Solution: Manage stress and maintain work-life balance
Stress may be unavoidable, but it’s possible to manage it by as simple as working out and having a positive outlook in life. Yoga and meditation can also reduce stress.