We all know that prevention is better than cure. It’s not always possible to keep health issues at bay, but there are steps you can take to protect yourself and lower your health risks.

Maintain an active lifestyle

Exercise offers tons of benefits for physical and mental health. In addition to lowering the risk of heart disease, some types of cancer, type 2 diabetes and strokes, regular exercise also boosts mental health and reduces stress. If you’re not active enough, start setting some very reasonable goals and introducing exercise into your daily routine. Go for a walk in the morning or evening, take the kids out on their bikes, do a home workout or search for beginners dance, yoga, Pilates, tennis, golf, or trampolining classes. You can try all kinds of activities to reach the recommended target of 150 active minutes per week. Make it fun, though, since that’s the only way you’ll stick to it.

Look after your teeth and gums

Taking good care of your teeth and gums is not just beneficial for your smile - dental health is linked to general health. Studies suggest that severe gum disease can increase the risk of health issues, including heart disease, by contributing to inflammation in other parts of the body. Adopt a daily oral hygiene routine, keep up to date with routine checks and see your dentist if you have any concerns about your dental health. If you notice bleeding when you brush, for example, or you experience pain, seek advice. You can contact practices like Corner Cove Dental if you’re due a dental check. Gum disease is a progressive condition, which causes irreversible damage if left untreated. Contact your dentist if you have sore or swollen gums and get in there every 6 months for a cleaning and checkup.

Make sure you get enough sleep

Sleep is essential for good physical and mental health. When you sleep, your body undergoes vital processes that enable it to recover and prepare for the next day. If you don’t get enough sleep, you may find that you experience mood swings, you may be more susceptible to illnesses and infections, you may be lethargic, and you might struggle to concentrate and focus. If you do have trouble sleeping, try adjusting your bedtime routine. Relax in the evenings and set yourself a time to go to bed each day. This will help your body clock get used to a routine. Experts recommend 6-8 hours of sleep per night for adults, but your needs may vary.

Manage stress

Stress affects most of us at some point in our lives. While it’s often possible to control stress or use it to our advantage, there is a risk of stress taking over and affecting our health and wellbeing. Try to be proactive in managing and reducing stress. Take time out if you feel overwhelmed or tired, exercise frequently, get enough rest, talk to people you trust about how you feel, have hobbies to clear your mind and lift your mood, and try to spend more time outdoors.

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