This World Health Day Abu Dhabi 360 shares the most essential tip – taking care of yourself is no an overwhelming task
As we celebrate World Health Day, it’s essential to remember that taking the first step towards better health doesn’t have to be an overwhelming task. It’s easy to feel intimidated by the thought of making drastic changes to our diet, exercise routine, or weight, especially if we try to tackle everything at once. However, with just a few small and achievable lifestyle changes, we can make a meaningful impact on our overall well-being.
So why not start small? John Bromley, a Public Health Consultant working with Abu Dhabi 360, the recently launched, emirate wide wellness programme by Abu Dhabi Sports Council, says, “Health is a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. By incorporating simple habits and behaviors into our daily routine, we can take small steps towards achieving optimal health and well-being.”
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the United Arab Emirates has made significant progress in public health over the past few decades, with life expectancy in the country increasing from 63 years in 1990 to 76 years in 2022. However, non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, and diabetes remain common.
To address these public health issues, several initiatives have been implemented across the capital, such as Abu Dhabi 360, which aims to help individuals, their families, and the community through an inclusive program to pursue personal wellness and balance.This World Health Day Abu Dhabi 360 has rounded up six simple habits and behaviours that can be implemented to your daily routine to help improve overall health for the long term:
- Take regular walks
Staying active and healthy doesn’t have to be complicated – walking is an easy and effective way to achieve both. It requires no special equipment, facilities, or training, making it accessible to nearly everyone.
According to Michelle Champlin, Chief Podiatrist of Dubai Podiatry Centre, “By starting with an obtainable goal, like a 10-minute walk, you can slowly build momentum and feel good about achieving it. Before you know it, you’ll find yourself motivated to walk for 15 or even 20 minutes.”
- Sleep for wellness
Sleep is a vital component of a healthy lifestyle, yet many of us struggle to get enough shut eye. A good night’s sleep is essential for good health and not getting enough sleep can wreak havoc on our health, from increasing the risk of chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease, to leaving us feeling groggy and moody.
To make sure you’re getting the recommended 7-8 hours of sleep per night, try establishing a regular sleep routine that works for you. This might include winding down with a relaxing activity, like reading or taking a warm bath, before slipping under the covers. Creating a comfortable sleep environment, with a cool temperature and minimal noise and light can also help you get the restful sleep you need.
By prioritizing sleep, you will be investing in your overall health and well-being, so don’t let a lack of sleep keep you from feeling your best. The Abu Dhabi 360 app can help you establish a regular sleep routine, track your sleep patterns, and provide tips for improving sleep quality.
- Boost Your Health with Fruits and Veggies
Dr. Mona Mobarak, Certified Nutritionist, encourages individuals to include fruits and vegetables in their diet as a first step towards better health. “Fruits and vegetables provide essential vitamins, minerals and fiber that can help reduce inflammation and improve digestion,” Dr. Mobarak says.
Contrary to popular belief, adding an extra serving size may not necessarily improve your diet. Instead, it’s more beneficial to consume the recommended daily requirements of fruits and vegetables based on your body’s needs.
- Hydrate for Health
Staying hydrated is crucial for maintaining good health, but it’s easy to overlook the importance of drinking enough water throughout the day. There are plenty of creative and delicious ways to incorporate more fluids into your daily routine.
Plain water can get boring after a while, but infusing your water with fresh fruit or herbs, sipping on herbal tea, and blending up smoothies are just a few examples of how to increase your fluid intake while also enjoying some tasty and nutritious drinks.
Remember, the general recommendation is to drink at least 8 cups (64 ounces) of water per day -more if you are exercising or spend time in the hot weather. In observance of Ramadan, he Abu Dhabi 360 app has introduced a new feature to help you monitor your water intake and remind you to drink enough fluids throughout the day. Don’t forget that other hydrating fluids, like low-fat milk and unsweetened coconut water can also count towards your daily fluid intake.
- Regular Check-ups
Scheduling regular check-ups with your healthcare provider is almost like getting a tune-up for your body. Just like you take your car to the mechanic to prevent any potential problems, regular check-ups allow your healthcare provider to monitor your health and catch any potential health issues before they become serious problems.
Think of it as an investment in your long-term health. By taking the time to schedule regular check-ups, you’re giving yourself the best chance to stay healthy and catch any potential health issues early on. So, don’t wait until something feels wrong, schedule your check-up today and give yourself the peace of mind that comes with knowing you’re taking care of your body.
- Community
We all know that eating well and exercising regularly are important for good health, but did you know that nurturing meaningful connections with others is just as crucial? Research shows that having meaningful connections with others can have a significant impact on our mental and physical health.
So, if you want to improve your overall well-being, consider making social connections a priority. Whether it’s joining a local club, volunteering, or simply spending quality time with loved ones, making an effort to connect with others on a regular basis can contribute to overall well-being.
Incorporating these six habits and behaviours into your daily routine can help you take small steps towards better health. With the resources provided by the Abu Dhabi 360 app, including guided meditations, daily exercises, and expert guidance from industry professionals, individuals can take the necessary steps to prioritise their health and live a 360-balanced life.
