Physical health, also known as physical wellness, is more than just how fit you are. Physical health is how well your organs and body systems function.

Each person’s version of physical health is different. Someone can achieve their own definition of physical health, despite a disease, a disability, or their age.

WHAT YOU CAN DO:

• Nutrition. Take charge of your nutrition by eating healthful foods and drinking enough water.

Balanced nutrition is essential for health, providing the body with necessary nutrients like carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals. These nutrients support energy, growth, and bodily functions. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins promotes overall well-being.

Poor nutrition can lead to issues like obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. By prioritizing whole foods and limiting processed options, we can maintain better health and prevent chronic diseases.

· Stay Active. Physical activity can improve your health regardless of your age, even if you are disabled or limited by chronic illness. While loved ones and health practitioners can assist you with your exercise program, only you can make it work!

Exercise and physical activity are good for just about everyone, including older adults. No matter your health and physical abilities, you can gain a lot by staying active. In fact, studies show that “taking it easy” is risky. Often, inactivity is more to blame than age when older people lose the ability to do things on their own. Lack of physical activity also can lead to more visits to the doctor, more hospitalizations, and more use of medicines for a variety of illnesses.

• Get Enough Sleep. Prolonged sleep deprivation is associated with risks for serious illnesses. As a result of the choices they make, many people do not get enough sleep. Yet, by choosing to sleep enough, you choose to live better.

Getting enough sleep has many benefits. It can help you:

• Get sick less often
• Stay at a healthy weight
• Lower your risk for serious health problems, like diabetes and heart disease
• Reduce stress, improve your mood, and get along better with people
• Think more clearly, form long-term memories, and do better in school and at work
• Make good decisions and avoid injuries — for example, drowsy drivers cause thousands of car accidents every year

Getting enough sleep is also important for children or teens’ healthy development.

AVOID HARMFUL HABITS

Avoiding harmful habits is crucial for maintaining long-term health and well-being. Habits like smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and drug use can lead to serious health issues such as heart disease, liver damage, cancer, and addiction.

Even everyday habits like overeating, excessive screen time, and neglecting physical activity can negatively impact both physical and mental health. By making conscious choices to avoid these behaviors and adopting healthier alternatives, such as regular exercise and balanced eating, individuals can significantly improve their quality of life and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

Break Bad Habits

• Avoid tempting situations. If you always stop for a donut on your way to work, try a different route. Keep fatty foods, cigarettes, alcohol and other tempting items out of your home.
• Replace unhealthy behaviors with healthy ones. Try exercise, a favorite hobby or spending time with family.
• Prepare mentally. If you can’t avoid a tempting situation, prepare yourself in advance. Think about how you want to handle it and mentally practice what you plan.
• Enlist support. Ask friends, family and co-workers to support your efforts to change.
• Reward yourself for small steps. Give yourself a healthy treat when you’ve achieved a small goal or milestone.

Reference:

https://www.jw.org/en/library/magazines/awake-no3-2019-nov-dec/physical-health

https://www.mcmillenhealth.org/tamtalks/physical-health#:~:text=Physical%20health%20is%20how%20well,a%20disability%2C%20or%20their%20age.

https://www.tuftsmedicarepreferred.org/healthy-living/importance-good-nutrition