Calm mind brings inner strength and self-confidence, so that’s very important for good health.- Dalai Lama
It is doubtful whether the saying “health is wealth” can ever become a cliché. This is because good health leads to productivity and better performance, which in turn can lead to wealth. Poor health, on the other hand, leads to spending money on drugs and treatments thereby reducing wealth.
Health is Wealth
GOAL 3 of the SDGs is Good Health and Wellbeing and it should be achieved by 2030. This is of special significance to us in Nigeria, as Premium times stated that over 1000 Nigerians died from preventable diseases in 2017 such as Meningitis, Cholera, Hepatitis and monkey pox.
SDG 3
The aim of this goal is to:
- Reduce global maternal mortality.
- End preventable deaths of newborns and children under 5 years of age.
- End epidemics such as AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, combat hepatitis, water-borne diseases and other communicable diseases.
- Prevent and treat substance abuse, including narcotic drug abuse and harmful use of alcohol
- Reduce death from road traffic accidents.
- Ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health-care services, including family planning, information and education, and the integration of reproductive health into national strategies and programmes.
- Achieve universal health coverage, including financial risk protection, access to quality essential health-care services and access to safe, effective, quality and affordable essential medicines and vaccines for all.
- Substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water and soil pollution and contamination.
- Substantially increase health financing and the recruitment, development, training and retention of the health workforce in developing countries.
- Strengthen the capacity of all countries, for early warning, risk reduction and management of national and global health risks.
Here is a list of things you can do to maintain a healthy lifestyle and mental well being:
- Plan your meals and eat healthy foods (especially fruits and vegetables) and drink lots of water at the right time.
- Do not cook more than you can eat and give out leftovers. There are malnourished children waiting for that food. This can also help to prevent obesity.
- Donate food you do not need to food banks.
- Get adequate rest by going to bed early. This leaves you more refreshed and productive when you wake up.
- Exercise regularly and take short breaks from long sits.
- Immunize children regularly, treat cuts immediately and go for regular vaccination.
- Go for a regular medical check-up and check your blood pressure and sugar level often.
- Clean your environment regularly to prevent pollution and spread of diseases.
- Plant trees, embrace renewable energy and stop contributing to climate change.
- Do not consume drugs without a prescription from a qualified doctor/pharmacist.
- Smile more and maintain relationships with family and friends. For all you know, you might be the last call for someone with suicidal thoughts.
- Assist the sick and make them feel loved. Avoid stigmatization of sick people.
- Shun drug/alcohol abuse. Drowning in sorrow only makes matters worse. Talk to a friend/family or seek professional help.
- Do not drive while drunk and maintain prescribed speed limit to prevent accidents. Observe your vehicle before putting it on the road to prevent seeable accidents.
- Plan your week ahead and set aside a special time daily, it could be about 5-10 minutes for you to reflect on yourself and clarify your goals.
- Eliminate sugar and use honey or take fruit juice in place of processed juice.
- Use healthier oils when cooking and reduce consumption of fast/junk foods.
- Pray often, ruminate and meditate, forgive more and learn to let go.
Lastly, be grateful for the gift of life and emit only positive vibes.
Positive Vibes Only