Something worth reading (Health Mistakes)

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Regular Health Mistakes

 

All of us make little health mistakes that cause damage to our

bodies in the long run - simply because we are unaware we are doing

something wrong. Here are some of the most common mistakes made by

many of us.

 

Crossing our legs

 

Do you cross your legs at your knees when sitting? Although we may

believe that this is the lady-like elegant way to sit, sitting this

way cuts down circulation to your legs. If you don't want varicose

veins to mar the beauty of your legs and compromise your health,

uncross your legs every time you realise you have one knee on top of

the other. The best way to sit is to simply place both legs together

on the floor, balancing your weight equally. If you feel like

changing position, instead of crossing your legs, simply move both

legs together to one side. As an alternative, you could also

consider crossing your legs loosely at the ankles. This is a

classically elegant way to sit, and is far better for your legs and

your health than sitting with your legs crossed at your knees.

 

Not changing our toothbrush

 

How often do you change your tooth brush? Most of us wait until most

of the bristles have either fallen off, or are in such bad shape that

we'd be embarrassed to pull out our brush in public. However, since

not many of us need to pull out our brush in public, we carry on with

our frayed one until we lose it. Replace your toothbrush often.

Damaged bristles can harm the enamel, and don't massage your gums

well. If you find brushing your teeth a pain like I do, but know you

must do it, you might as well be doing it right. Imagine going

through the annoyance of brushing your teeth twice a day only to find

out that you're damaging your enamel every time you clean your

teeth. Also, use a brush with soft bristles unless your dentist has

advised otherwise.

 

Eating out often

 

There are oils that are high in cholesterol, and oils that cause

little harm and are better for your heart. However, no matter how

light the oil is, it is never a good idea to eat too much of it.

Avoid fried foods. Remember that in all probability your favorite

Indian food restaurant throws a huge, HUGE chunk of butter in a tiny

bowl of dal. Rita, who worked in the kitchen of a 5 star hotel, was

shocked when she saw the cook chop a 500 gm butter slab in half, and

throw half into a Paneer Makhani dish.

 

No wonder the customers left licking their fingers. And no wonder

they felt so stuffed and heavy afterwards. Limit outdoor eating

unless you know that you're getting served light and healthy food.

 

Skipping breakfast

 

Never, ever skip breakfast. Remember, when you wake up in the morning

it's been around 10-12 hours since your last meal. Your body needs

food now, more than at any other time. Eat a heavy breakfast. You

will then be busy through the day, and the calories will get expended

quickly. If you are trying to diet, eat a light dinner. Here are some

more common health mistakes we make. Being informed and making a few

changes can help make us feel a whole lot better. High heels High

heels sure look great, but they're murder for your back. This however

doesn't mean you should steer clear of stilettos. Wear them, but not

when you know you will be walking around a lot. Wear them when going

out for lunch or dinner - when the only walking you will be doing is

to your car, to the table, and back. Avoid high heels when you are

going somewhere on foot. If you are constantly tempted to wear your

heels, take a good look at your flats. Is there something about them

you dislike? Invest in a new pair of beautiful flats or shoes with a

low heel. Buy something you love, that you will enjoy wearing. If

possible, get a matching bag. You will then enjoy your flats as

much as you do your heels.

 

Sleeping on a soft bed

 

You don't have to sleep on the floor be kind to your back, but do

make sure you have a firm mattress. Although a mattress on springs

is soft and lovely to sink into, it's bad for your back. If you

already have an old bed with springs, you don't need to invest in a

new one - simply get a thick wooden plank put over the springs, and

place the mattress on the plank. Similarly, if your mattress is old

and lumpy, throw it out and get a new one. Your neck and your back

will thank you. The same rule applies to sofas. If you will be

spending hours on a sofa, get a firm yet comfortable one. Sofas you

completely sink into are not the best idea.

 

Pillows

 

No matter how comfortable sleeping with ten cushions is, have pity on

your neck and resist. Sleep with one pillow, and make sure it is not

too thick. If your pillow gets lumpy, discard it and go for a new

one. Get a thin pillow if you sleep on your stomach, and something a

little thicker if you sleep on your back, to give your neck adequate

support.

 

Not exercising

 

So all of us know we should exercise more, but many of us don't. This

is a health mistake we consciously make! And why is that? Simply

because we refuse to admit the damage we are causing to our bodies by

not working out. A number of people only start working out once

they've experienced a warning signal. Don't wait for a heart attack

to strike before you decide to opt for a lifestyle change. Make the

change now. You don't need to train for the marathon to be in top

shape. Half an hour of brisk walking three to four times a week will

make a world of difference to your health. You could then increase

this to forty minutes, four times a week - and you're all set. If

you haven't exercised for a week, you're making a mistake.