Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), also called lifestyle or chronic diseases, are a major cause of illness. Many of these diseases, such as heart disease and stroke, cancer, diabetes, and lung disease, negatively affect millions of people and communities worldwide.
These diseases are strongly associated with lifestyle behaviors, such as physical inactivity, unhealthy diet and tobacco use. NDCs are largely preventable and managing related risk factors are integral to promoting general wellness.
Improving your health and wellness can often be as a result of small steps you can adopt but you need to want to make the change. Set a bold health or wellness goal for yourself and then create a realistic plan about how you’ll go about achieving it.
Here are a few recommended steps to help you develop some healthier habits:
Healthcare related wellness tips
- Schedule a wellness check (good if you are aged 40 + but especially if you are aged 60+) that includes cholesterol and blood pressure, mammograms, prostate checks, colonoscopies, skin cancer screenings, and others as advised by your doctor.
- Schedule eye, hearing and dental checks regularly
- Find out about relevant vaccines for you from your doctor.
- Maintain good oral health hygiene practices.
- If you have not already, quit using any form of tobacco.
- Make a list of your current medications and store it with your medical documents. Be sure to note the dosage and strength (the amount you take and how often you take it).
- Know your risks for common health conditions. Get a handle on your family medical history. Call a parent or other family member and ask about chronic illnesses and causes of death for parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles on all sides of your family tree.
- Update your important medical documents - living wills, advance directives, healthcare records.
General wellness tips
- Aim to eat at least one fruit or vegetable with every meal, every day for a week.
- Avoid eating fast food on a regular basis. Read the food labels when buying packaged foods.
- Stay well hydrated but avoid sugary soft drinks and focus on water or other healthy beverage options
- Try to do regular exercises - whether in a gym, walking or simply doing some gardening - moving is so important for muscles, wellbeing and energy levels.
- Work on your posture when sitting down. Sitting up straight and limiting the amount of time you sit for extended periods can prevent back problems and reduce back pain.
- Avoid watching TV or checking your phone for at least 30 minutes to an hour before bedtime to help getting a more restful sleep.
- Be sociable - call or text a friend or relative and make a plan to get together
- Remind yourself that the reason for adopting a healthier lifestyle is because you are important and your health matters.
