Eight health tips to enhance your quality of life

We all have well-intentioned moments in life, but it’s what we do daily that counts: how we move and listen to our bodies, a consistency to help us live better and live longer. And if you’re over 55, it’s even more important to take health into consideration because there is an increased risk for heart disease. Good heart health can prevent you from having a poor quality of life, anxiety and depression in some cases, and reduced physical capability.

When we spoke to Western Radiology Consultant Cardiologist Adil Rajwani about some important health tips, he said it’s as simple as taking yourself for a walk or getting enough sleep.

“Lifestyle changes are just as important as tablets,” Dr Rajwani said.

Here are some ideas to get you started and help enhance your quality of life.

Make time for your loved ones

According to an article published by Time Magazine ‘Why Spending Time With Friends Is One of the Best Things You Can Do for Your Health’, studies suggest that having a robust social life can in fact lower stress levels; improve mood; encourage positive health behaviours; boost cardiovascular health and improve illness recovery rates.

Try organising a family dinner, having a picnic in the park with your partner or going on a morning walk with a friend.

Swap the car for a walk

Incorporating light forms of exercise into your daily routine is important, and there are many simple ways to do it. Try substituting driving and plan ahead – whether you introduce walking and / or riding your bike (there are e-bikes that make it easier), and if that’s not for you, set aside some valuable time for you to stretch and move your body for at least 30 minutes.

Trade stress for mindfulness

It’s a trendy way to describe the benefits of being aware of the stresses that we face in life and being conscious of the way we manage them. Mindfulness has many proven benefits, from improved concentration and mental clarity to emotional intelligence and connection with others. And be kind to yourself. After years of a pandemic, we all need to be a little kinder to ourselves.

Get enough sleep

We all know how important sleep is; it helps us function better. Try to get the amount that you need, which is six to eight hours a night for most people.

Replace alcohol with an alternative

This isn’t to say you can’t enjoy a few drinks, life is all about moderation, but consumption counts. Professional advice suggests trying for a couple of alcohol-free days a week, aiming for no more than ten drinks a week, and no more than four on a single day. Try a non-alcoholic alternative, there are many that taste just like the real thing.

Take a look at your food intake

It goes without saying, a healthy diet is vital for a healthier life.

“Reducing your intake of sugar, trans-fats and animal-derived fats is a good start,” Dr Rajwani said. “Check out the ‘Mediterranean diet’. Low-salt alternatives are also a great option, such as lemon and pepper.”

Practice optimism

Is your glass half-empty or half-full? Positive thinking doesn’t mean that you ignore life’s stressors, you just approach hardship in a more productive way. The positive thinking that usually comes with optimism is a key part of effective stress management. And effective stress management is associated with many health benefits. Try positive self-talking, spend time doing positive things and spend time with positive people.

Train your brain

According to research studies, doing mentally challenging activities and regularly engaging your mind, such as reading, doing crossword puzzles or Sudoku and playing chess, may help lower your risk for the dementia associated with Alzheimer’s disease. And if you don’t enjoy puzzles or games, try eating with your nondominant hand or walk a new route to the shops.

If your heart health is a concern and you would like to book a coronary CT angiography scan, or you’re after a little more information about your health, visit Western Radiology.