Today is World Health Day 2021. Seems a bit weird, given we are still in the grip of a global pandemic. However, there are some essential daily habits you can easily implement to do your bit to make your world, and the world in general, a healthier place!
1. Wash And Sanitise Your Hands Every Day, Not Just On World Health Day 2021!
How many times have we heard this the past year? Soooooo many. However, on World Health Day 2021 especially, we can’t hear it enough. Washing your hands frequently and correctly is one of the most important ways to prevent COVID-19 infection, as well as just your regular every day cold and flu.
2. Continue To Social Distance And Wear a Mask
Sure, in some countries, like Australia, there are relatively few cases of Covid-19, however we know this virus is sneaky and can appear without people knowing how they contracted it. Some may even be completely asymptomatic, or what we call ‘silent spreaders.’ It can also reappear in areas that have reported no cases for a while, without us knowing how or why. Stay safe, stay at least 1.5 metres apart and wear a mask whenever appropriate.
3. Respect Boundaries, Borders Or Simply Stay Home
Travel restrictions are no fun, but they are necessary to help contain the spread of the virus. Of course we all want to explore this great big beautiful world of ours, but for now, we simply need to pause and enjoy our own backyards – literally! Travel within your own state seems safe enough, as long as you follow all precautions, so if you’re really yearning for a trip away, try exploring your own locale!
4. Have a COVID-19 Test
Sniffly? Sore throat? Aches and pains? It’s likely you may just have the common flu, but there’s little sense in risking your own health and that of those around you. If you feel as though you are experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms, go get a test. Don’t worry about appearing paranoid. It’s far better to be safe than sorry, particularly as the virus is mutating, as is typical of all viruses.
5. Get Your Covid-19 Vaccination
While the vaccine is being rolled out in stages, it’s important to keep a note of what category you fall into and when the vaccine will be available to you. You can keep updated as to when the vaccine will be available for you here.
6. Eat To Boost Your Immunity
Skip the highly processed junk food and enjoy plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, which are rich in immune-building nutrients and antioxidants. Eat the rainbow – ensure your plate has a variety of different colours on it and savour every mouthful, knowing you’re doing yourself the world of good!
6. Try to Cut Down (Or Cut Out) Bad Habits
Why not make World Health Day 2021 the day you stop smoking, or reduce the amount of alcohol you drink? Smoking is not healthy in any way, shape or form, while drinking more than the two standard drinks as advised by medics can be harmful to the liver and general immunity.
Giving up certain habits can leave you with a sense of loss, so try to replace them with something healthy, such as a twilight power walk instead of a cocktail, or a morning green juice over a cigarette with your coffee.
7. Get Regular Exercise
According to Harvard University, “regular exercise can contribute to general good health and therefore to a healthy immune system”. Whether you choose to walk, jog, swim, compete in team sports, cycle or even horse ride, getting out and getting moving will help boost your immunity. Why not make World Health Day 2021 the day you finally sign up to your gym?
8. Drink Plenty Of Pure Water
According to the Centre for Disease Control (CDC), water helps your body to keep a normal temperature, lubricate and cushion joints, protect your spinal cord and other sensitive tissues and get rid of wastes through urination, perspiration, and bowel movements. The CDC also suggests drinking more water when you are in hot climates, more physically active, running a fever, or experiencing diarrhea or vomiting.
