Ways to Stay Healthy and Fit on this World Health Day!

World Health Day, celebrated on the 7th of April every year, is sponsored by the WHO and several other health organizations. It is observed by all the member states of the World Health Organisation. The adage 'Health is Wealth' wouldn't have had much importance anytime in the history of humankind than now. In spite of increased life expectancy, there has been a surge in the incidence of deadly diseases, and the onus is on the health organizations to reduce the trend.

Health for all being the theme for this year's Health Day, WHO & other organizations are focused on providing access to various health services to people who cannot afford them. As per a survey conducted by the WHO, it was estimated that at present approximately half the world doesn't have access to health care services and approximately 100 million people are pushed to poverty every year due to health costs.

The vision of WHO is to extend health coverage to 1 billion people by 2023. While the health organizations and world leaders are working towards enabling the entire humankind to have access to health services, we can also do our bit in moving a step towards healthy living.

In the light of the universal health coverage launched by the WHO, here are some of the basics that you can follow to stay healthy and fit:

1. Eating Healthy Is Important: What you eat, is who you are. Eating simple, cooked meals instead of packed or readymade food will keep you away from the unhealthy elements such as bad cholesterol and extra calories. Including a lot of vegetables and fruits and ensuring a balanced meal every day, is crucial for a healthy life. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day and should never be skipped as you actually break your fast in the morning. Skipping breakfast can make you crave for food, thus leading to consuming more calories than required. Starting your day with a power-packed breakfast is the first step towards a healthy life. As a bonus, your day turns out to be more productive as well.
2. Exercising Regularly Is A Must: Exercise and food are like two sides of a coin, and if you want good health, you can ignore neither. A minimum of 30 minutes of physical activity three times a week is a must to keep your spirits high.
3. Stress Needs To Be Managed: In the 21st century where the world is highly competitive than ever, stress has become the new enemy of both mental and physical health. Everyone experiences the stress of some kind day in and out, therefore it is essential to learn how it can be managed. Yoga and meditation can help in relieving stress. Also, indulging in hobbies and sharing a laugh with your loved ones are great stress busters as well.
4. Sleep Is Crucial: Your job may not allow you to follow the circadian rhythm. Never mind, but at least, you must allow yourself a sound sleep of 6-7 hours. Sleep is crucial for your body parts to rejuvenate themselves and prepare for another 16 hours of efficient work.
5. Health Check-ups Are A Priority: 'Prevention is better than cure' and that is exactly the reason why regular health check-ups are most important. As they do not just help you stay up-to-date with your daily health issues, they will also alert you to any future health risks. These check-ups will also enable your doctor to plan your treatment better in case of any health issues. Some common tests that you can go for our blood pressure, cholesterol and glucose level, body mass index, dental check and cleaning, self-check for changes in breasts in women and others.

Mankind is fortunate to have made a significant advancement in the field of medical sciences and increasing average life expectancy and treating many deadly diseases. However, universal coverage of health services is still a distant dream which the WHO and other organizations are working to achieve. On this World Health Day, as an individual, take a pledge to follow these steps and start living a healthy & happy life.