If you’ve recently decided to go shopping online for your next health insurance plan there are a few items of interest that you should really become aware of in order to get the most out of your health insurance coverage. With many of today’s insurance plans looking familiar the only real differences may rest in the coverage, rates or premiums, deductible amounts and prescription fulfillments. It’s important that you know how to distinguish between a good health insurance plan and a bad one. The tips provided in this informative article will help you accomplish that task.

Probably the best place to start is with the actual benefits that are offered in the health care plan you are currently thinking about purchasing or are researching online. Although almost every plan provides routine medical coverage it’s always a good idea to check and see what else may be offered or covered. Don’t let any additional fees or hidden costs appear out of nowhere and be leery of fees that may be due based on the doctor or health care professional you choose as your primary health care provider. Don’t hesitate or be afraid to call the health insurance provider or company in order to speak with one of their service agents in order to clarify any points of interest that you may be concerned with or have questions about. Remember it’s your health and your money that is being dealt with.

For many folks the idea of a physical exam or health screening leaves an unpleasant taste in their mouth. Unfortunately, many of the more popular health insurance provides require a pre-medical screening as a requirement before signing up for their health insurance plan or service. The health insurance companies do this as a precaution in order to determine if you have any pre-existing chronic medical conditions that may end up costing them a lot of money in associated health care costs in the future. If this stipulation bothers you then you may want to avoid using these health insurance providers and choose a company that doesn’t require a physical before rendering coverage to you.

Make sure and double check the fine print in order to determine if there are any restrictions that can be placed against you or any additional fees or costs that you will have to absorb if you require any medical attention from a health care specialist such as a nutritionist or cardiologist. Be especially wary of any health care plan that meets your initial price budget because it may not actually allow you the opportunity to see the doctors that you truly require in order to stay healthy.

Unlike indemnity health care plans (which were once immensely popular) today’s more common health coverage plans are based around an HMO or health maintenance organization which basically means the insurance company provides you a list of hospitals and doctors to choose from as opposed to letting you pick your own primary health care provider outside of the health care network.

Finally make sure that you completely understand the prescription drug policy portion of your health care insurance policy. Find out if you are able to use name brand prescription drugs or if you are regulated into only using generic drugs. Other minor feature to look for in a good health insurance plan include coverage for any vision or eye related consults and any type of dental coverage.

Finding the right health insurance plan for you or your family may seem difficult at first but the task truly can be easy with our simplified tips outline in this short but informative article on health insurance coverage.

Medical tourism is a relative term for a bigger scenario in the future. Being an age old practice, medical tourism has evolved to a level that everyone is on the lookout and researching for a well suited medical tourism program.

Health issues are a flagship of any medical tourism. Hundreds and thousands of people journey abroad to find cure and relief in their health problems. Different people have different opinions for medical tourism, some are kind of in drifting away mode while the remaining others are happily pursuing it. Based on previous statistics, people have proved that medical tourism is a successful pioneering advancement in the health industry. Those patients who have trusted and went ahead with their travel to an international land to get the treatment done have more often than not given a positive feedback. They have not only masqueraded their health issues but also proved that the hospitals and the veterans are not fooling, instead they are catering us much better than our own country and that too in the lowest cost possible. These countries are rigorously serving us by investing a lot of their infrastructure in building up hospitals and nursing homes. Even the doctors are highly qualified and the staffs involved are well trained in hospitality services.

Many treatments which are not included in the insurance policies, and might lead to a hole in the pocket, and a reason for stress explosion in many. But with medical tourism transcending new heights, new health policies are offered within the package which includes the coverage of medical conditions like plastic surgeries, hair transplants, cosmetic surgeries, cancer, non-emergency cardiovascular cases, and dental prosthesis and not to forget telesurgery, a comparatively new surgical procedure, whereby a veteran surgeon operates a far off sitting patient through robotic mechanism.

During medical tourism, a hospital strives to provide both Eastern as well as Western medical approaches. Due to which a large flock of people from different countries get attracted by the medical tourism and spend quality time in getting treated and recovering rather than toiling amidst large queues and waiting for their turn for a simple X-ray or a blood test. Such quick services allure patients from all parts of the world.

One might question the legal issues that the medical treatments in an international land comes with, but then those procedures which are banned in one’s own country are open for reverence in the other. Moreover, if a treatment costs you much less than what it might take in your own land, medical tourism is all worth it.

At times, procedures such as cardiovascular diseases, kidney transplant or plastic surgeries like face lift, liposuction, or replacement of hip joints or knee joints can become a victim of malpractice, but when you are in abroad all because of your medical reasons, the hospital and the staff take the utmost care of the patient and refrain from illicit practice. They make sure to serve quality treatment in a proper and systematic way.

Although, one’s own land makes him feel at home and much ease than any foreign land, even if it allures your attention by its best services, the truth is that a medical tourism will help you loosen your anxieties, open up the knots of dissatisfaction and untrust. One should definitely visit abroad to seek medical intervene if health issues are perpetuating and are not being taken care of in your own country. There must be no other obsession than your own health. And health should top the list of priorities in every individual’s life.

Are you a California resident who is looking to get health insurance for you and your family? If you are, there is a good chance that you would be seeking a California family health insurance policy. One of the first things that you will need to do is request a California family health insurance quote. A California family health insurance quote gives you a good idea of how much you should expect to pay for health insurance coverage for you and your family.

If you have ever requested health insurance before or even homeowners insurance or auto insurance, you likely know that you are required to answer a series of personal questions. When it comes to requesting a California family health insurance quote you will find that those questions not only revolve around you, but you family as well, as you are looking to purchase coverage for all of them. The questions that you will be asked will vary, but you will find that most are centered on your general health. A health insurance company wants to make sure that you and your family are relatively healthy before selling you a California family health insurance policy.

As it was previously mentioned, you will be required to answer a few questions about your health and the health of your family, when requesting a California family health insurance quote. These questions will not only determine whether or not you are eligible to receive a California family health insurance policy from the particular company in question, but it will enable you see how much you will have to pay for coverage. Despite a variance among questions asked, you may be required to give information on your age, weight, fitness levels, past illnesses, and answer whether or not you smoke. As you likely already know not having a regular exercise plan and smoking can be harmful to your health. It may even increase the amount of money that you have to pay, but, when requesting a California family health insurance quote, you need to be completely honest, as there are a number of consequences to not being truthful.

One of the reasons why many insurance seekers stretch the truth a little bit or tell a lie is because they see no harm in what they are doing. Many are just looking to make health insurance more affordable for themselves and their families. But, you need to remember that there is harm in providing false or misleading information on a California family health insurance quote. In fact, it is found out that you may have lied not only on a California family health insurance quote, but the paperwork needed to actually receive insurance, you may be subject to fines and prosecution. It is also likely that you and your family will also likely lose your insurance coverage. When you look at it that way, it extremely that important that you provide the insurance company in question with the correct information.

Although a California family health insurance quote is only giving a summary of the amount of money that you may have to pay, it is important that you answer all questions accurately, to get important, accurate information. When it comes time to actually get insurance, you need to be completely straight forward, for your safety and the safety of your family.

As the Baby Boomer generation continues to grow older, their primary concerns have shifted to their health, money and retirement. The days of idly wondering where their next vacation should be and whether their bonus check will be as much as they deserve are quietly passing. Today, Baby Boomer issues are mostly about concerns with maintaining their dwindling health and having enough money to live comfortably through their twilight years.

Health Concerns For The Boomers

As people grow older, they often experience problems with their health. Their bodies grow more fragile and susceptible to diseases and bacteria. In addition, many people 50 years of age and older are reporting health problems that were not experienced by people in their same age group long ago.

This problem is exacerbated by rising health care costs. As the Boomer generation begins to require more medical care, the cost of that medical care continues to increase. Health issues and their ability to cope with them and find the proper medical support is a major concern for Baby Boomers.

Money And Retirement Concerns For The Boomers

Along with rising health care costs, Baby Boomers also worry about money and retirement. During the last several years of their careers before retiring, people usually enjoy salaries and bonuses that are larger than at any other point in their career. As a result, money is rarely a major concern.

However, many people fail to save that money. Instead, they spend it on vacations, their families and in the pursuit of living fun and fulfilling lives. This can lead to a rude awakening when they retire. Because they have not saved much money during their career, a lot of people discover that they do not have enough money to live comfortably during their retirement years.

When they retire, they no longer earn a salary. They no longer receive bonus checks. Instead, they are forced to live off the income that can be generated by the investments they have made throughout their lives. Unfortunately, many have not invested any money that can generate this income.

Other Baby Boomer issues complicate this money problem. People live longer lives today. When a Baby Boomer retires, he can expect to live many years in retirement. In the past, a 65-year old man could expect to live approximately 10 years in retirement before passing away. The financial requirements of living comfortably for these 10 years were manageable for most people.

Today, financial planners use a life expectancy of 90 to 95 years. That is, when a person retires at 65 years of age, he can expect to live up to 30 years in retirement. With dwindling health, rising health care costs and a lack of savings to generate a fixed income, the financial requirements of living 30 years in retirement are out of reach for many people.

These health, money and retirement concerns will grow as more of the Baby Boomer generation moves into retirement. Some will choose to work part-time jobs to keep active, stay healthy and generate supplemental income. Others will require the aid of family and friends. Still others may require more help than is available to them. As the Baby Boomer issues are beginning to emerge the Boomers will experience the issues that have been quietly gaining momentum for years, their health, money and retirement concerns will continue to grow.

Your health is your most precious commodity. If you new you had a predisposition to certain health problems, wouldn’t you take steps to guard your good health? Numerology can predict certain health problems that you may encounter.

People with a particular Life Path tend to have tendencies for certain kinds of health problems. By calculating your Life Path number, you can learn these potential problems and be on guard for them. And as in many things in Life, forewarned is forearmed.

Life Path Calculation

Your Life Path is your primary number in Numerology. It’s equivalent to your Sun sign in Astrology. You calculate your Life Path by adding together all the digits of your full date of birth, and then repeating the process until you get a single digit. This process is called fadic addition.

For example, actor Johnny Deep was born on June 9th, 1963, so his Life Path is a (7) as shown below.

06-09-1963 = (0 + 6 + 0 + 9 + 1 + 9 + 6 + 3) = (34) = (3 + 4) = (7)

Life Path (1) – Leaders

People with this life path are so driven and ambitious that they tend to ignore their physical health. Stress can be a major problem for them. They need to incorporate physical exercise into their lives as a coping mechanism to deal with high stress levels.

Life Path (2) – Cooperators

People with this life path tend to be great worriers. They need to guard against anxiety and the physical symptoms that come with it. Meditation is the ideal natural coping mechanism for these people. Medication may be necessary in extreme cases.

Life Path (3) – Entertainers

People with this life path tend to be generally healthy due to their sunny outlook on life. They need to guard against over indulgence in life’s pleasures. If they party too much, they don’t get enough rest and tire easily. Some self discipline on managing their time is in order.

Life Path (4) – Builders

People with this life path tend to work too hard and have a tendency to have problems sleeping. They need to learn to pace themselves and put their work aside at a reasonable hour. A caring spouse or friend can provide a needed reminder now and then to quit working and relax more.

Life Path (5) – Sellers

People with this life path tend to be easily annoyed by distractions or frustrating situations. They must learn to remain calm and avoid becoming angry or over-stressed. Learning anger management techniques, and turning to things that make them laugh are highly recommended.

Life Path (6) – Teachers

People with this life path tend to be more concerned for others than themselves. They frequently forget the basics of a healthy lifestyle when it comes to their own needs. Reminders from friends and family about the importance of taking care of themselves is useful.

Life Path (7) – Loners

People with this life path tend to live in tune with their bodies, and have few health problems. They have a strong intuition about what they need in terms of diet and exercise to keep themselves in top condition.

Life Path (8) – Warriors

People with this life path tend to be very strong and have great stamina; however the rigors of their combative nature can cause them to over-exert themselves in times of stress at work or play. They need to maintain a well balanced diet to keep their stores of energy up.

Life Path (9) – Humanitarian

People with this life path are very unselfish and tend to neglect their own welfare when those around them need their care. They need to remember to stay well and care for themselves so that they will always be there for others.

Some Medicare members are unhappy with their health care coverage. They enrolled in Medicare mistakenly believing that it would cover all of their health and medical expenses. They have not only been disappointed when hearing that many products and services are not covered but have also been left in financial trouble because of it. Recently, Medicare benefits have only declined further. Because of this more and more people, seniors especially, have begun to research health insurance plans to cover the costs of the things they need. They are quickly finding out that what was once limited to only supplementing Medicare, is now becoming a policy of its own as health insurance plans begin to offer more to their members.

Many health insurance plans now offer both primary insurance plans (Medicare Advantage plans) as well as continuing to offer supplemental plans; coverage for dental plans is also available. In addition to offering prescription and non-prescription medications at low costs, many health insurance plans are also taking over costs of eye care, including covering up to sixty percent of the cost of prescription glasses and will even bring your much needed medications right to your doorstep!

Another benefit offered by available plans is that a simple application form can be found online, with follow-up by a customer service representative. And spouses of members may also enjoy the benefits in many health insurance plans. Companies offer many different options to suit many different needs. Because of this, it’s important that you read and fully understand the package that you research so that you don’t get caught by surprise when a medical expense comes in. With all of the different plans available online, there is sure to be something for everyone and a plan that may seem tailor made to suit your own personal situation.

Members of health insurance plans frequently also enjoy other services, such as long term care insurance and life insurance. Some even offer membership in health clubs and preventative programs. It’s no wonder that health insurance plans beyond Medicare are becoming the preferred choice!

Every business has official responsibilities, in order to guarantee the health and safety of its recruits and other people involved; protection of the work environment should be a priority. It is not appropriate to bring about only the minimal of changes which barely meet the legal requirements. Constructive changes will benefit and promote your business.

Underprivileged health and safety acts as a safeguard against illnesses and accidents. It may increase your business costs considerably. However, keep in mind that disproportionate energy consumption not only harm yours employees health, but it also damages your profits as a direct result of his/her sick leave.

Fine health, safety and environmental performances pay for themselves. They also develop a good repute of your business in the eyes of your clientele, the local area and community, and the hired staff.

Your reputation can be an essential benefit to your business. A good standing in the community will facilitate you by making it easy to draw and maintain a hold on customers. It will make hiring new employees more convenient. It encourages traders to trust you; therefore, they will be more inclined towards forging an alliance with you.

Your approach towards health and safety plays a very important role in building up a strong reputation. Many companies have acquired phenomenal success due to their good will in the market. Others have suffered a loss of clients and in some cases; employees turned against them because they were not well served. It is always beneficial for businesses to adhere to the environmental etiquettes. Not only does it help in making customers and improving employee motivation, but it also proves your commitment to being a good citizen.

The best way to manage health and safety measures is by placing down all the steps that need to be monitored and then supervising the daily activity of all the prescribed procedures. It becomes a moral responsibility on your part to constantly assess the healthy and safe environment, which guards your reputation along with your employees – who work hard to maintain your repute in the business market.

Once you have managed an assessment, you would be able to review all other probable environmental threats. You should always update your evaluation on every occasion and whenever something is modified – for example, if you purchase new equipment, hire new employees, change your running performances and professional procedures. You should look for potential health and safety or environmental problems. You should carry out mini health assessments from time to time, so that there is no threat of any danger around your workplace. Involve employees and encourage them to give you feedback for improvements – options include a safety committee or a suggestion scheme. ‘

Keep up-to-date with what the most recent technology has to offer for new ideas and ways to improve your health and safety parameters, whereby, diminishing any risk of environmental clashes.

Thus, it is very important to maintain health and safety in your workplace; as it has a significant impact on the reputation of your business.

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DISCLAIMER:

The information presented in this guide may be suitable to supplement your doctor-prescribed daily routines. Please consult your doctor/physician first to get their advice if this guide is suitable for you to follow.

HERE ARE SOME HEALTHY TIPS FOR YOUR DAILY LIFE

PREFACE:

The helpful tips in this guide could serve you well if you are able to practice it on a regular basis.So take some time to understand each of them first to determine if they are suitable for you. When it comes to health, we should all take it seriously. And being healthy is and always has been about a lifestyle change. Like everything else, Health is something that we all have to strive and work for it. “There is no free lunch” comes to mind and is even more so when it comes to achieving our health golds. And trust me… there are also no short-cuts. So stay positive, and remember that your health and happiness will bring joy to people who are around you and who care for your well-being.

Thank you for your time in reading through this PREFACE.

Have a great day ahead!

From,

HEALTHY AND FIT

TIPS FOR PERSONAL HEALTH AND HYGIENE:

TIP #1) DRINK LESS ALCOHOL

We should not drink more than 3-4 units of alcohol per day for men. For women, this should be no more than 2-3 units. One alcohol unit roughly means 10ml of pure alcohol in an alcohol beverage. As a general guideline, for Ciders and Beer, no more than 2-3units. For Wine, no more than 2 units. For Spirits, no more than 1 unit, and for wine coolers, no more than 1.5 units. (Note that these are general guidelines)

TIP #2) KEEP YOUR HANDS CLEAN

How to wash hand with liquid soap properly.

Abstracted from Victoria state government Australia.

A lot of diseases are spread from contaminated hands. Clean hand save lives.

TIP #3) QUIT SMOKING

Pick up the courage to take the first step. Quit smoking today!

Wish to quit smoking but having difficulty doing so? Here are some tips for you to consider trying;

1) Identify and avoid situation which will trigger you to smoke. Have a plan to avoid or get through without smoking. E.g., avoid using the stairways if you always smoke there.

2) Delay your craving for tobacco by telling yourself to wait further few minutes first, do something to distract yourself for that period of time.

3) Chew something to fight craving like chewing gum, lozenges, nuts, raw vegetables.

4) Do more physical activities to distract yourself; exercise, do chores, sports games.

5) Practice relaxation techniques instead of smoking when stress.

6) Get support from family, friends, support groups, reminding you the benefits of smoking cessation.

TIP#4) GET ENOUGH SLEEP

An average adult need around 7-9 hours of sleep. Sleep increases your ability to focus and remember new information, improves your mood & lower your stress. It helps to maintain healthy weight and improves your performance & coordination. Establish a consistent sleep & wake schedule today!

TIP #5) GET REGULAR YEARLY HEALTH CHECK

Have you done your annual medical check up yet? Early detection can save your live.

TIP #6) EXERCISE REGULARLY!

Exercise helps to boost your immune system, control your weight. It improves your mood, increase your energy. It reduces stress, makes you feel more confident and positive. It sharpens your mind, enables you to sleep better. If you prefer exercising at the gym, make sure you clock in some time doing aerobic exercises for at least 20-30 minutes a day (minimum 3 times a week is recommended).

TIP #7) TAKE STEPS TO PREVENT GETTING A FLU

When the Holiday season arrives, and so does flu. Here is some tips to prevent flu beside drinking lots of fluid everyday You can also take food like mushroom, sweet potatoes, garlic, wild salmon, dark chocolate, almond, strawberries to boost your immune system against flu viruses.

TIP #8) HOW TO HANDLE YOUR INSOMNIA

Good sleep quality ensures better health, mood and performance. Here are some ways to help falling asleep easier;

Exercise during the day. Avoid caffeine and alcohol at night.

Have a light dinner 2-4 hours before bed. Switch off TV and computer in your bedroom. Keep your room temperature cool (around 21 degree Celsius), have a warm bath prior as well. Using lavender essence in bath oils and soaps can be helpful towards getting a good nights rest. After the bath, try to dim your bedroom lights (or turn off all your lights if you prefer) before you go to bed. For certain people, playing some soft soothing music may help while other folks will prefer a quiet sleeping.environment.

Drinking a good quality(authentic) chamomile tea can also help you sleep better. Avoid sugary and caffeinated drinks before bedtime – example coffee and certain types of caffeinated tea.

TIP #9) THE HOLIDAY SEASON BINGE

There will tend to be feasts after feasts. Here are some tips how to enjoy your feast gathering without overeating:

Do not skip meals/fast before the feast. Take only healthy snacks like raw vegetables, nuts, and fruits if you are a little hungry.

Eat food less in salt, oil, refined sugar, processed.

Start your meal by taking food low in calories then to higher later. e.g; start with soup, salad, lean protein, you will be quite full by dessert when you can feel satisfied just with a few bites (3).

Take one serving only, decline second helpings politely but firmly.

Avoid alcohol, try sparkling water instead. Cut down on smoking

Remember to continue your exercise regime during this festive season as well.

Lastly, try to enjoy the social gathering and not focus on the food instead. This season is about getting together, sharing joy and happiness after all.

TIP #10) HOW TO AVOID FEELING GROGGY

Feeling groggy in the morning?

Here’s a few suggestions how to feel fresh in the morning;

Drink a glass or two of water when you wake up.

Do some stretching or cardio exercises.

Try Meditation or deep breathing exercise.

Cook breakfast not heavily loaded with carbohydrates (try fruits especially citrus, simple proteins like eggs, cheese, yogurt)

Listen to your favorite music or soothing sounds

Take a warm shower, but wash your face with cool water instead.

Think of something to make you feel excited about.

Feel grateful for another new day

TIP #11) HAVE A GOOD BREAKFAST

A good proper breakfast (whole grain, lean protein, vegetables, fruits, dairy) is very important for your health.

A good breakfast helps to kickstart your day, increasing your metabolism.

It makes to feel for fresh and less grouchy, elevating your mood.

A healthy breakfast helps you to focus and concentrate better, enabling you to think and solve problems easier.

A healthy breakfast also helps in reducing cravings and making unhealthy food choices. It helps in controlling your weight.

TIP #12) HOW TO AVOID GETTING BODY ODORS

Keep your body clean at all times is a basic social etiquette that everyone should follow – if you have been outdoors and have perspired, do dry yourself and if possible, take a shower. Sweat contains body salts and oils and this can cause body odors to develop. Bacteria on the skin surface can also cause body odors to occur. Armpits and other areas of the body are perfect places where bacteria love to multiply and moisture helps them do so. So try to keep your those areas dry and this will reduce your chanced of developing bad body odors.

SOME BASIC TIPS TO FOLLOWING –

• Keep squeaky clean

• Use anti-bacterial soap when taking a bath

• Towel dry yourself thoroughly

• Apply good deodorants and antiperspirants

• Keep your wardrobe clean

• Avoid strong smelling foods and drinks

STAY HEALTHY AND FIT!

Often people blame junk or processed foods for their obesity problem. If a person weighs more than 20% of the normal weight considering his/her height, then he/she is considered as an obese person.

However, you need to keep in mind that not every obese person would have all these health issues. Also, the risk of developing health issues increases, if someone in your family suffers from it.

Check out some health issues that are connected to obesity or overweight people.

1. Heart Problems

Excess fat can make an individual more inclined to have high BP and elevated levels of cholesterol. Both of these conditions are top reasons behind the occurrence of different types of heart problems or stroke. Fortunately, even losing a small amount of weight can decrease the odds of getting affected by heart problems or a stroke. You can lower the chances of heart issues by simply losing around 10% of your bodyweight.

2. Type 2 Diabetes

The majority of people who get affected by Type 2 diabetes suffer from obesity. You can take various steps to reduce the odds of getting affected by Type 2 diabetes, such as,

• By losing weight

• Having a balanced diet

• Exercising regularly

• Sleeping adequately

If you already have Type 2 Diabetes, then you can control the levels of blood sugar by staying more active physically and by losing weight as well. More physically active means that you require less medication to control your diabetes.

3. Gallbladder Disease

If an individual is overweight, then the chances of getting a gallbladder infection and gallstones are higher. Unexpectedly, weight reduction itself, especially fast weight reduction or loss excessive weight, can make you more prone to getting affected from gallstones. However, you’ll be less likely to get gallstones if you lose weight around 1 or 2 kilograms per week.

4. Cancer

It’s quite shocking to know that different types of cancers that are connected with body parts such as colon, breast, kidney, endometrium, and esophagus are connected to obesity. A few examinations and researches have seen connections among cancers of the gallbladder, pancreas, ovaries, and with obesity problem.

5. Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is a joint problem that affects the hip, back, or knee of the patient. Due to the excess weight, extra pressure is put on the joints, which damages the cartilage eventually. You can reduce the stress on your lower back, knees, and hips by simply choosing weight loss, which may also improve your osteoarthritis condition.

6. Gout

The joints of an individual are affected with this health condition. This problem occurs when there’s an excess amount of uric acid present in the blood, which eventually converts into crystal form that gets stored in the joints. You’ll be surprised to know that gout affects fat or obese more compared to healthy people. In fact, the chances of getting gout increase if a person is overweight. However, you need to consult your doctor if you already have gout and planning to lose weight.

7. Sleep Apnea

It’s true that sleep apnea is connected with obesity problem. Sleep apnea is a breathing problem that develops snoring problem is disruptive breathing while sleeping. Sleep apnea is often the reason behind daytime drowsiness and increases the odds of stroke or heart problems. However, it has been seen the proper weight loss improves sleep apnea significantly.

Since I love music, I find myself continually drawn to associating harmony in any area of life to music. In a typical choir, there are four (4) principal voice types – Soprano, Alto, Tenor & Bass – and all are necessary to bring full tonal quality and harmony to the choir.

We all have a mind, a body and a spirit. It should therefore serve as no surprise that, in order to achieve total health and wellness, we need to take care of all three (3) parts of ourselves – mind, body and spirit. Don’t focus on any one part to the disadvantage of the others, since all are required to bring balance to the human person.

In this article, I will provide you with seven (7) simple, practical and effective tips that you can start using immediately to improve and maintain your overall health and wellness. Tip 1 focuses on your spiritual health. Tips 2, 3 and 4 focus on your physical health. Tips 5 and 6 focus on your emotional health. The final tip, Tip 7, focuses on a frequently overlooked area, your mental health.

1. Dedicate 30 minutes to God each day in prayer, reflection and thanksgiving.

Every day you are blessed with 1440 minutes to live your life. Thirty (30) minutes only amount to a mere 2% of your entire day. God, the giver of life, deserves some of your day. Read and reflect with daily devotionals, spiritual and/ or religious books (Holy Bible, Qur’an, Torah, Tripitaka, Bhagavad-Gita, Tao-te-Ching, Books of L. Ron Hubbard or other sacred texts). This will increase your knowledge of your religion, strengthen your spirit, improve your personal relationship with God, improve your relationship with your fellow human beings, help you with your daily living and bring you inner peace.

2. Keep Physically Fit.

The key to achieving physical fitness is paying attention to exercises that strengthen your core muscles. Your core muscles are all those varied muscles in your chest, abdomen, upper back, lower back and sides. There are several benefits to be derived from a strong core – a flat stomach, a strong back, good posture, reduced strain on the spine, effective transfer of power to your arms and legs to lift, move or carry stuff around, greater mental alertness, greater flexibility and a good heart.

3. Eat Nutritious and Healthy Food.

There is a widely circulated myth that foods that are nutritious and healthy are not tasty. Like I indicated, it is a myth and the best way to ensure that your food intake is healthy, nutritious and that you are getting all of the required vitamins and nutrients that your body needs is by:

(a) Eating from the 5 major food groups each day – Grains, Vegetables, Fruits, Milk, Meat & Beans.

(b) Eating a “rainbow diet”, that is, one that contains as many, if not all, of the colours of the rainbow – Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Indigo and Purple. Each food colour provides a different set of vitamins and micro-nutrients. For example, green foods such as spinach, are a good source of Vitamin A, Folic Acid, Vitamin C, Magnesium and Iron. Regular consumption of Spinach fights Anaemia and improves eyesight.

(c) Using a good multi-vitamin supplement, to satisfy any nutritional deficiencies you may have.

(d) Drinking your recommended eight (8) glasses of water each day. Drink one (1) glass at various intervals throughout the day to assist your body in the efficient elimination of waste and toxins.

4. Take Good Care of Your Skin.

Your skin serves four (4) principal functions as follows:

I. Protection from external elements.

ii. A sort of sensor with nerve endings that cause you to react appropriately to pain, heat, cold, touch, pressure, vibration and tissue injury.

iii. A heat regulator that accordingly pumps blood to your skin’s surface or reduces blood flow.

iv. Your largest waste eliminator (surface wise) through sweating or perspiring.

Additionally, as you age, your skin naturally becomes drier, less elastic and produces more wrinkles. However, you can significantly slow down this aging of your skin and help your skin in its elimination process by keeping your skin continuously moist and hydrated through the following simple skin care routine.

Skin Care Routine

Drink plenty of water; 8 glasses each day. Eat looks of yellow and orange fruits which provide Vitamin A. Take a good Vitamin E supplement. Eat cucumbers, which supply sulphur – a trace element that is necessary for healthy skin!! Also use water-based moisturizing creams or olive oil on the skin, immediately after bathing to keep moisture locked into your skin.

5. Take a 30-minute “time-out” at least once a week.

I know this sounds easier said than done, especially if you have children or take care of elderly parents or relatives. So let’s look at it from a different angle. If you suddenly became very ill or died, God forbid, the children and relatives would be somehow taken care of. Maybe not as well as you, yes, but they would manage. Well in order to ensure that you are around long enough to provide the best continuous care, the way you alone can do it, is to TAKE A BREAK!!! Find your relaxing space: take a walk on the beach or in the park while listening to nature or music on your iPod; relax on your bed listening to music; curl up in your favourite chair with a cup of tea or chocolate and read a good book; sit on a park bench and watch people pass by… or whatever else relaxes you. This will clear your head and give you renewed energy to go again.

6. Practice Contentment

In the natural ebb and flow of life and living, there are high points and low points, seasons of plenty and seasons of scarcity. Happiness is not derived from the abundance, number or type of material things we have. That’s why we sometimes see examples of millionaires who are drug addicts or alcoholics. Added to that, there is the “Law of Diminishing Returns”. What this basically says is that the more we get of something up to a certain point, the less likely the added quantities of that thing is going to increase our happiness quota. It’s like, if I got one (1) Lamborghini – I am on a high, summersaults can’t express my happiness, I could hug everybody I meet. If I got two (2) more Lamborghinis – well that’s OK. I mean I really won’t feel as euphoric as that first time and in any case, how many can I drive at any one time?

Contentment is the ability to be happy in both the sparse and abundant seasons of our lives and it is not dependent on our circumstances. We need to develop this spirit of contentment in order to positively contribute to our overall health, happiness and well-being. This does not mean that we should not strive for better but it means that like the old West Indian say goes, “We shouldn’t hang our hats where our hands can’t reach”, in order to keep up with the Jones’.

7. Take the Care of Your Mind Seriously.

Stress and Depression are two (2) of the biggest thieves of mental and emotional health, globally. Not only are they globally prevalent but they also lead to more serious mental problems such as Dementia, Alzheimer’s, Suicide and Insanity.

In fact, “The World Health Organization estimates that more than 450 million people [worldwide] suffer from mental disorders, and a new report by the World Economic Forum figures the annual global costs of mental and neurological illnesses at $2.5 trillion. That is three times the economic cost of heart disease ‘Global mental health issues woefully overlooked’, Public Radio International.”

So stress and depression must be dealt with and arrested almost immediately in order to avoid more serious health problems. Depression is a natural phase that we all experience in our lives primarily due to loss of loved ones, work issues, job loss or money/financial issues. However, the key to ensuring that stress and depression do not get out of hand, is engaging in activities that move your mind away from the problem causing the stress or depression and move you to a better mental space, despite the problem at hand. You can improve and maintain the health of your brain by incorporating some of these simple techniques into your daily living.

Simple Mental Health Care Solutions

Board Games, Puzzles & Quizzes

Playing Board Games and Solving Puzzles & Quizzes all provide your brain with a mental workout by improving your memory, concentration, problem solving skills and preventing cognitive decline.

Listening to music

Although seemingly simple, music soothes the mind and spirit, helps the body relax, relieves mental and emotional stress and tension, stimulates the senses and energizes the body.

Writing

There are many great online writing communities, such as EzineArticles and Squidoo, which accept articles on just about any topic that you would be interested in. Again, you will be exercising your brain, since to write an excellent article you will need to do some research to supplement your knowledge of the area.

Hobbies and Sports

Engage in group activities, social clubs or sports that interest you (tennis, horse riding, soccer, football, cricket, karate, sewing, yoga, tai chi, basketball, volleyball, swimming, singing, dancing etc.). Anything that you are naturally inclined to and that makes you feel happy while doing it. If you can’t seem to find a sport or hobby that interests you, check out the World’s Largest List of Hobbies (see the link below). You’re bound to find something that’s right for you and that you’ll enjoy.