'Osteoarthritis'(OA) is one of the most commonly found forms of arthritis which mainly includes degeneration of cartilage, the smooth and slippery tissue which lies in the form of a coating to protect the ends of bones and joints in our body. It helps the bones to move freely against each other. It can also involve the synovial lining (the lining of the joint thickens and produce more fluid than normal).
Balance is key when it comes to food and health. Eating well and staying healthy is a balancing act that takes effort and practice. Balance your weight by matching the food you eat with the physical activity you do. Energy we take in from what we eat and drink is measured in kilo-joules (KJ) and the number of kilo-joules needed is different for everyone. Balance the food you eat by eating mostly healthy foods your body needs. Make an effort to choose healthier foods more often to get the balance right.
Variety is the spice of life, and it’s certainly an important goal when it comes to eating well. Enjoy foods from healthy food groups every day to give your body the nutrients it needs. It is also good to enjoy a variety of different foods from within the food groups themselves to keep meals interesting and to give you a broad range of nutritional benefits. For most people, a healthy diet is high in vegetables, fruit, whole grains, and lean protein. Most people should also have some healthy fats, such as olive oil. Ask your HealthySpan consultant on what diet is right for you.
Think about drinks as drinks count: Choose those which can add nutrients (such as calcium from milk) and avoid or reduce those that just add kilo-joules we don’t need (such as sugar-sweetened drinks). Less sugar, more water.
Water is best, and drinking water is a healthy habit for the whole family. Avoid alcohol as no amount of alcohol is good for your health. Taking charge of your health is something you can do at any age, and can be as easy as starting your day off with a glass of water. Water first thing in the morning will also help re-hydrate you and will flush out toxins, leaving you feeling refreshed and energized to tackle the day ahead.
Stress – High levels of stress can lead to a number of serious health problems, so if you have a lot of stress in life, we strongly recommend reducing it. Managing your stress can be a gradual process. Introducing regular exercise to your lifestyle is a good first step, and trying to make more time for yourself can help, too. Incorporating a little exercise into your daily routine can reap countless benefits, even if it’s something as simple as walking.
Get enough rest.
Adequate sleep is a must for good health and helps in reducing stress and maintaining your overall health. Chronic sleep deprivation raises the odds for heart disease, diabetes, stroke, obesity, and many other sicknesses. Driving while sleepy is just as bad as driving drunk. If you don’t usually wake up feeling refreshed, try slipping into bed 15 minutes earlier every week until you do. Seven to eight hours a night is the average amount an adult needs to reboot both mind and body.
Mental health is just as important as physical health, so make sure to take time for yourself. Make time for a 20-minute bath before bed, which can help you feel more relaxed and better equipped to deal with the stresses of day-to-day life.
It is always beneficial for individuals to communicate, with friends, family members rather than distancing and getting slaved to hand held devices. Socializing is very important to manage and reduce stress. Stay in touch with family and friends. Be involved in your community. Maintain a positive attitude and do things that make you happy. Keep your curiosity alive. Lifelong learning is beneficial to your health.
Don’t do it alone. Whatever your health goals are, it will be far easier to reach them if someone has your back. That might mean finding an exercise buddy who meets you at the gym, asking a friend to go with you, or simply confiding in someone you trust about your current struggles so they can cheer you on along the way.