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Affinity Health Shares 8 Keys To A Longer Life

This Healthy Lifestyle Awareness Month, leading providers of affordable top-quality medical insurance, Affinity Health, shares 8 keys to a longer life.

 

Did you know that the world’s oldest living person, Kane Tanaka, turned 119 years old last month? Junko Tanaka shared on Twitter that her great-grandmother reached supercentenarian status. Some of us may not quite want to reach the 100-year mark. But we all want a full and healthy life.

“Many people believe that genetics determine life expectancy. Yet, genes have a lower impact than previously thought. It turns out that environmental factors win the race. Factors such as diet and lifestyle are vital,” says Murray Hewlett (CEO of Affinity Health).

What Affordable Health Habits Lead to a Longer Life?

1. Get More Sleep

Sleep is essential for living a healthy and sustainable lifestyle. It has an impact on our health, work productivity, and relationships. Prioritise sleep a priority so you can reduce your health risks. Curb Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, and cognitive loss later in life.

 

You might fall asleep if we list all the reasons why individuals toss and turn at night. Instead, we’ll focus on one that almost we are all guilty of – blue light exposure.

 

Our smartphones emit blue light, which fools the brain into thinking it’s not time to sleep. Avoid using screens for at least an hour before going to bed. Spend time with your family, catch up with your lover, or read a book instead.

Learn More: Your Guide to Better Sleep

2. Book Your Annual Medical Check-Up

Detect early signs of degeneration and disease to lessen the severity of ailments as you age. This is why Affinity Health urges everyone to go for yearly check-ups. Regular health examinations and screening tests are essential for three reasons:

  • Medical professionals can discover health issues early before they become much more problematic.
  • A screening test can detect and prevent dangerous illnesses such as cancer.
  • It is possible to save money by preventing health conditions from becoming chronic.

 

Affinity Health offers screening and prevention services at the Medical Society Centres. Locate a Medical Society Centre here: www.medicalsociety.co.za.

3. Quit Smoking

It might be difficult to quit smoking, especially if you’ve been doing it for a long time. Patients who desire to quit smoking may fall into the trap of believing they can do so on their own.

 

You must want to stop, like with any addiction treatment. But the process can be simpler if you have people who care about you supporting you.

 

You can begin by adjusting your routine and habits. Also, surround yourself with encouraging people. Identify the moments when you smoke and the behaviours that cause it. Is it your first cup of coffee of the day? Or are there specific scenarios that make you anxious?

 

If those are your triggers, try switching to tea instead of coffee for the first month. Avoid circumstances that make you anxious. Then, without smoking, gradually reintroduce these things into your life.

Learn More: How Smoking May Affect Your Surgery

4. Protect Your Skin

Sunburns can lead to a range of skin conditions over time. Doctors diagnose 5.4 million people with basal and squamous cell skin cancers each year.  Melanomas are the most hazardous type of skin cancer. One person dies every 52 minutes, according to research.

 

Make it a habit to wear sunscreen with an SPF of at least 20 daily. Sunlight, water or sweat can reduce the efficacy of sunscreens. So, you need to apply sunscreen regularly (every 2 hours or so).

5. Wash Your Hands

Because of COVID-19, it’s more crucial than ever for everyone to start washing their hands. This minimises the distribution of germs to help prevent the spread of infection. Handwashing with soap and water reduces the number of bacteria on your hands by up to 83 percent.

 

Studies find that handwashing also prevents approximately 30% of diseases. It also prevents 20% of respiratory infections.

6. Eat Nutritious Foods

When it comes to eating well, it’s critical to remember these three golden words:

Everything in moderation.

 

While the occasional treat isn’t so bad, making bad meals a routine is.

 

Eat more fresh fruits and vegetables, nutritious grains, and lean protein. Limit bad fats (saturated and trans fats), sugary snacks, and sodium-rich foods. Drink at least eight glasses of water every day and keep caffeine and alcohol intake to a minimum.

Learn More: Foods That Help Your Digestive System

7. Exercise Daily Or At Least Three Times Per Week

Adults should engage in 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week. Or 30 minutes most days, according to experts. Don’t want to join a gym?

 

Walking, jogging, and swimming are all great forms of exercise. You can do them at home, or around your neighbourhood. Remember, any physical activity is better than no physical activity. So, get moving – even if it’s just for a few minutes a day.

8. Reduce Your Stress Levels

Stress is an inevitable part of life. Learning to manage stress is one of the most beneficial things you can do for your health. If you’re not sure how to do this, visit your healthcare provider for advice on coping skills.

Learn More: Healthy Habits to Help You Thrive After 50

About Affinity Health

Affinity Health is South Africa’s leading provider of health insurance, offering you a range of options at affordable rates including access to the widest national provider network. We understand the importance of having medical insurance that meets your needs, your budget, and your lifestyle. Our range of healthcare products is designed to protect you and your family when it matters the most. We strive to give our clients peace of mind and the highest standard of service at all times. For more information, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

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