SEXUAL AWARENESS -
If you’re sexually active or have been in the past, it’s important that you’re proactive about getting screened for sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Some sexually transmitted diseases don’t cause noticeable symptoms until weeks, months, or possibly even years later. By then, you may have passed it on to someone else. And, it may also be harder to treat the disease when it’s not caught early. That’s why it’s important to get tested often.
Communication is key when it comes to safe sex. Talk openly with your partner about your sexual past and any STI diagnosis you’ve had. Before having sex with a new partner, consider getting tested for STIs, along with your partner, and discuss your barrier method preferences.
To reduce the risk of contracting HIV, you may want to consider:
pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), available as the brand name pills Truvada and Descovy, this antiretroviral medication is taken before possible HIV exposure
post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is a medication that can be taken after possible HIV exposure
You can also reduce your risk of some other STIs by getting vaccinated against:
human papillomavirus (HPV)
hepatitis A
hepatitis B (HBV)
Conclusion
Your health plays a crucial role in how you feel and live each day. If you’re stressed, tired, or not feeling well, it’s not easy to be the best version of yourself and to give those around you the time and attention they need.
In order to thrive and lower your risk of chronic disease and illness, there are many choices you can make today and every day to give yourself the best shot at living a long, active, and healthful life.
Stress is a normal part of everyday life and, when it’s short-lived, it can be useful. But, chronic stress can affect you mentally, physically, and emotionally. Research has shown that high levels of ongoing stress have been associated withTrusted Source an increased risk ofTrusted Source:
high blood pressure
heart disease and stroke
depression
a weakened immune system
Some types of activities that may help bring about a relaxation response involve:
Breathing exercises: A technique called diaphragmatic breathing has been shown to help lower stress hormones, reduce blood pressure, and regulate other bodily processes.
Progressive muscle relaxation: Progressive muscle relaxation is a technique where you tighten and then relax each muscle group in your body, one at a time, in a specific pattern.
Exercising: Physical activity releases endorphins in your brain, one of the feel-good hormones. These chemicals can help relieve pain and also reduce stress and boost your mood.
CONCLUSION
Although stress is often unavoidable, you do have a choice in how you handle it. Just as your body has a stress response, it also has a relaxation responseTrusted Source, which is characterized by lower blood pressure, slower breathing, and a reduced heart rate.
Preventive care is the care you get from your doctor to stay healthy. While you may typically think of your doctor as the person you see when you’re ill, your doctor also plays a key role in keeping you healthy and preventing you from getting sick or developing a chronic disease in the first place.
By being proactive and focusing on preventive care, you and your doctor are more likely to catch early warning signs of certain diseases before they become more serious. You can then take steps to address these issues when they’re easier to treat and the outcomes are more likely to be positive.
note: When you make an appointment to visit your doctor for an annual checkup, it may include:
measurement of blood pressure and other heart health indicators
blood tests for cholesterol and blood glucose
depression screening
obesity screening
vaccinations
a Pap smear
Depending on your age, family history, and other factors, your doctor may also order specific screenings, such as:
a mammogram, a screening for breast cancer
a colonoscopy, a screening for colorectal cancer
osteoporosis screening
genetic testing for some types of cancer
tests for some sexually transmitted diseases
AVOID ALCOHOL AND OTHERS
While an occasional alcoholic drink likely won’t affect your health, drinking too much alcohol can take a heavy toll on many of your organs.
Overconsumption of alcohol can damage your liver, brain, and heart, and also increase the riskTrusted Source of several types of cancer, including breast, colorectal, and liver cancer. Heavy drinking can also negatively impact your mental health.
So, at what point does drinking become harmful to your health? According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, moderate drinking isTrusted Source classified as:
up to 1 standard drink per day for women
up to 2 standard drinks per day for men
Eat more whole foods (and less processed food)
Whole foods are foods that haven’t been heavily processed or altered. They don’t contain a lot of added chemicals or artificial ingredients to help them taste good or give them a long shelf-life.
In general, whole foods are healthier for you and provide your body with more vitamins, minerals, and essential nutrients than processed foods. Because they are more nutritiousTrusted Source, whole foods give you more energy and possibly lower the risk of many types of health issues.
Processed foods are often unhealthier than whole foods because they tend to be higher in certain ingredients such as:
added sugars or artificial sweeteners
salt (sodium)
trans fats
preservatives
artificial colors
Comments