New Year Health Resolutions you should Follow

It’s a new year, but you may still have some old habits that you should get rid of. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” Are you healthy? If you answered no, the NHF is here to help.

Here are some New Year health resolutions that you should follow to improve your health status and reduce your chances of developing a chronic illness.

1. Prioritise rest: rest is any action with the goal of achieving physical and mental wellness. It can be difficult to slow down but rest is non-negotiable. It’s how the body recovers after physical and mental effort.
2. Get enough sleep: According to the CDC, “getting enough sleep is not a luxury—it is something people need for good health”. Insufficient sleep leads to conditions such as depression, heart disease and diabetes. 
3. Strive for a healthy diet: a healthy diet is the fuel the body needs to support us in our daily activities. The absence of necessary nutrients will lead to a breakdown in the body’s ability to function. Ensure your food intake supplies all the vitamins and minerals required.
4. Include physical activity in your days: Exercise has been proven beneficial to both physical and mental health resulting in stronger bones and muscles, mood regulation, lowered stress levels among other benefits.
5. Take care of your mind: Mental health involves emotional, psychological, and social wellness. That means our thoughts, feelings, and actions are impacted. To maintain good mental health, manage stress well; avoid alcohol or drug abuse, and foster healthy relationships. 
6. Get screened: It’s proven! Early detection saves lives. Get screened periodically to ensure that you remain in good health and can start treatment early, where necessary.
7. Manage your condition: If you’ve already been diagnosed with a chronic illness, follow your Doctor’s orders to give it the attention it needs. The NHF covers 17 conditions (https://www.nhf.org.jm/the-nhf-card/illnesses-covered-benefits-offered), if you have any of these sign up for the NHFCard to start reducing your health costs.
8. Medication Adherence: Stay ahead and take your meds…as prescribed by your doctor to ensure that you stay healthier, for longer.

Health is not health if it is not holistic. Make these commitments for 2023 and beyond so that you can take proper care of your body and effectively manage your condition.

The NHF is here for health, the NHF is here for you.

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