The World Health Organization’s (WHO) World Health Day, held on April 7, focuses on building a fairer and healthier world, and provides a global opportunity to focus attention on important public health issues that affect the international community and people personally.
Time and time again, we hear the commonly known strategies to improve our health – eat a healthy diet, don’t smoke, be active, reduce sugar intake and get regular checkups. Below are a few additional tips from the World Health Organization to help you be your healthiest self.
Talk to Someone if You’re Feeling Down
Depression is a common illness worldwide with over 260 million people affected. Depression can manifest in different ways, but it might make you feel hopeless or worthless, or you might think about negative and disturbing thoughts a lot or have an overwhelming sense of pain. If you are going through this, remember that you are not alone. Talk to someone you trust such as a family member, friend, colleague, or mental health professional about how you feel.
Prepare Your Food Safely
Unsafe food containing harmful bacteria, viruses, parasites, or chemical substances, causes more than 200 diseases – ranging from diarrhea to cancers. When buying food at the market or store, check the labels or the actual produce to ensure it is safe to eat. If you are preparing food, make sure you follow the Five Keys to Safer Food: keep clean; separate raw and cooked; cook thoroughly; keep food at safe temperatures; and use safe water and raw materials.
Check Your Blood Pressure Regularly
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is called a “silent killer”. This is because many people who have hypertension may not be aware of the problem as it may not have any symptoms. If left uncontrolled, hypertension can lead to heart, brain, kidney and other diseases. Have your blood pressure checked regularly by a health worker so you know your numbers. If your blood pressure is high, get the advice of a health worker.
Reduce or Eliminate Alcohol
According to the WHO, there is no safe level for drinking alcohol. Consuming alcohol can lead to health problems such as mental and behavioral disorders, liver cirrhosis, some cancers and heart diseases, as well as injuries resulting from violence and road clashes and collisions.