On 7 April, World Health Day, the World Health Organization marks its 70th anniversary. This year, World Health Day is dedicated to one of WHO’s founding principles: “The enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of health is one of the fundamental rights of every human being without distinction of race, religion, political belief, economic or social condition.”
#Healthforall
“Good health is the most precious thing anyone can have,” says Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “ When people are healthy, they can learn, work, and support themselves and their families. When they are sick, nothing else matters. Families and communities fall behind. That’s why WHO is so committed to ensuring good health for all.”
Your health is your wealth
In the UK we are incredibly lucky to have such an amazing NHS. I have recently had 3 asthma attacks, which meant 2 ambulance trips and hospital admissions. It is evident the NHS is struggling under capacity right now. At the Alexandra Hospital in Harlow, there were no beds at all for anyone, so I spent the night being nebulised in my seat in a waiting room. When the body is in crisis, we are forced to be more mindful of our body and look after ourselves. However, our health is something we should be investing in all year round.
Mental Health is just as important
Looking after your mental health is just as important as looking after your physical health. If you are suffering from anxiety/depression, are stressed out, please don’t ignore it. Be kind to yourself. Speak to others, even if this is really difficult right now. Get professional help if things seem hopeless right now or if you are struggling. Make life simple again.
5 Top Tips to healthy living:
Nothing I am about to say will be a surprise, but many of us forget our basic needs. Sometimes the mind and body just need food, water and rest! Self-care is extremely important, yet it’s so easy to neglect our health when you are busy living and working in the city.
Vitamins:
- I take vitamin C, Complex B vitamins and Magnesium. I know people argue that if you are eating properly then you shouldn’t need to buy vitamins. However, when I am stressed or busy, my appetite is the first to go. Living and working in the city is tiring and tough on the body, so any little bit helps!
Sleep:
- Whenever I am stressed, insomnia rears its ugly head. This means I either can’t get to sleep for hours or if I do, hello 4 am! I can’t sleep even though I am exhausted. Invest in some new bedding and try to have a digital detox before bed.
Diet:
- Drink lots of water. Most of the time, if you are tired, your body is dehydrated. If you don’t like water, mix it up with some cordial. Just keep drinking!
Get checked out:
- I have spent my whole life in doctors surgeries and hospitals, so going to the doctor doesn’t faze me. If you are worried about something, but can’t seem to find the time to get checked out. Find the time! You only have one body. Look after it.
Exercise:
- If there is one thing I am guilty of, it’s not doing any exercise. At the moment my asthma is so bad I am struggling to even walk long distances slowly. However, even gentle exercise is good and doesn’t have to be expensive either. Youtube is a broke girl’s best friend so find something that suits you.
The slogan for today is #HealthForAll