20
Self care tips
Quit Smoking
–today
Keep moving –at least
3 hours per week
Eat like an Aegean –follow the
Mediterranean Diet
which is rich in green vegetables, lean protein, nuts and fruit
Mind your BMI
–above 25 is overweight and greater than 30 is obese
Lift a glass but only one –avoid more than one alcoholic drink per day
Sleep enough
–its an investment in your wellbeing
Form a
partnership with your Primary Care doctor
–you need a doctor who you can trust
Follow the age-appropriate
screening schedule
–blood pressure, thyroid, cholesterol, bone density,
mammograms, pap smears, glucose, colonoscopies
Stay connected and stay
up to date
on your health
Say NO to stress –often it’s a choice which is more in your control than you admit
Use supplements selectively
–even if its 'natural' it could still be unsafe
Prevent osteoporosis
–avoid excessive coffee and alcohol, quit smoking. Do weight-bearing exercises, take
vitamin A, eat lots of green vegetables
Maintain a
good self-esteem
and healthy mechanisms of expressing emotion, watch your negative thoughts
carefully and fill yourself up on the joys of life, love and friendship
The health and wellbeing of all South Africans should be approached
on multiple, mutually reinforcing layers
Greater focus on the environment, health care education and the social determinants of health need to be on the agenda, with the
same level of priority as health system reform. In addition, empowered South African citizens must focus on driving their own
wellbeing and health, as self-care is the cornerstone of any healthy nation. We need to recognise that health is a beginning to an
end, as much as an end in itself. Wealth, productivity, longevity and happiness are all integrally linked to our state of health.
Self
Care
Health System –Acute,
Chronic, Rehabilitative
and Hospice care
Health Promotion –Education,
Prevention, Lifestyle Modification
Environment –Social Determinants of Health such as
Water, Housing, Sanitation
Patient
Community
Health Sector
Community
Government
Health Sector
Government