Meaningful Small Changes for Improved Health and Well-being in 2024:
- Eat a Healthy Diet:
- Cut down on foods high in salt, free sugars, saturated fats, and trans-fatty acids.
- Eat at least five portions of fruits and vegetables daily.
- Consider a balanced and diversified diet.
- Be Active:
- Add a walk after meals, sweep floors, or take the stairs.
- Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate activity per week (adults).
- Encourage children and teenagers to exercise for 60 minutes daily.
- Avoid Harmful Use of Alcohol:
- Be aware of the risks associated with alcohol consumption.
- Discuss alcohol consumption with a healthcare professional if necessary.
- Don’t Use Tobacco or Vape:
- Quitting tobacco reduces the risk of heart disease, cancer, and other diseases.
- E-cigarettes are harmful to health, especially for young people.
- Look Out for Your Sexual Health:
- Sexual activities require explicit consent and should be free from coercion.
- Use condoms to prevent STIs, unplanned pregnancies, and HIV.
- Connect in Person for Mental Health:
- Loneliness is a health risk.
- Form meaningful social connections through face-to-face or digital contact.
- Practice good mental health habits to manage stress.
- Get Vaccinated:
- Ensure routine vaccinations are up-to-date.
- Catch up on missed vaccines for children.
- Vaccines prevent life-threatening diseases.
- Take Antimicrobials the Right Way:
- Only take antimicrobials when prescribed by a healthcare provider.
- Complete the full treatment course.
- Don’t share leftover antibiotics.
- Avoid antibiotics for viral infections.
- Wash Your Hands:
- Use soap and water or an alcohol-based rub to prevent the spread of infections.
- Get Regular Check-ups:
- Monitor blood pressure to prevent hypertension.
- Screen for hepatitis, HIV, tuberculosis, and STIs.
- Detect cancer early through screenings like pap smears and prostate exams.
