Keeping yourself fit and healthy

Tapiwa Zhuga
Keeping ourselves healthy must be the top priority on our check list. An adage health is wealth applicable not only for the older groups but also to the younger generations. As the saying goes, an apple a day keeps the doctor away, is a clear example for the health conscious. There is more to gain when healthy compared to when sick. Therefore to keep ourselves fit and healthy, I suggest the following ideas.
It is undeniable that getting enough rest like getting enough sleep every night is healthy. Thus, sleep is essential for good health. Sleep is one of the most essential things a human body needs in order to function effectively. A short nap can benefit a tired body and give a weary mind new vigour and stamina. A good night's sleep removes tiredness, stress, tensions and worries. Identifying and correcting poor sleeping habits can help older adults to improve their well being and quality of life.
In addition, we must follow a balanced diet, for example, determine the appropriate food before you eat. We should plan our time to eat so that we will eat less. A lot of people ban certain foods from their diet such as ice cream and chocolate. Doing so will only make them crave for more. Therefore, do not ban them but enjoy a small portion from time to time. A food diary will enable us identify which drinks or food we need to cut down on and whether we are getting a balanced diet.
Furthermore, regular exercises can prevent obesity. When we exercise, our bodies will burn excess calories which are otherwise converted to fat and then lead to unwanted bulges. Being overweight carries with it a number of other health problems. Hence exercising not only keeps us trim, but keeps away weight related problems. However when learners spend most of their time in classrooms and homes it may result in claustrophobia. As a student with loads of homework, assignments and exams, exercises seems to be a monotonous chore. Nonetheless, health experts prescribe exercise as a prerequisite for long, healthy life, as the saying goes, a life free from diseases and ailments.
Besides that, we should go to a clinic or hospital for regular medical check-ups. We also can check blood pressure levels, cholesterol and sugar levels amongst others. If blood circulation is in good condition, the capacity of blood to carry oxygen is increased. More so there are subsidised consultation fees to those that might be in a need of health services at any given time around Namibia.
Moreover, stay away from things that may harm us for example, illegal racing, drugs smoking and others. The killer thing that is very dangerous is drug abuse. They can kill anyone regardless of race, nationality, age, profession and religion. So stay away from substances abuse that is ruining our health and future. We will end up being a burden to our own family, friends and society.