Healthy living begins from day of conception

by Dr. (Mrs.) Pushpa Mallikaarachchi

Good health is not merely absence from disease. It is physical, mental and social well-being of an individual. For a person to enjoy healthy living he or she should follow certain guidelines in life. Strictly speaking, healthy living starts from the time a fetus is conceived.

The pregnant mother has to be careful about her diet which should provide essential nutrients and vitamins to the growing fetus. She should avoid medications which can harm the life inside, especially in the first three months. In the event that she has to take medicine proper medical supervision is essential. Alcohol and smoking can cause severe health hazards during the pregnancy.

The mother should take precautions against infectious diseases like German measles. Proper antenatal care and control of conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes will ensure the birth of a healthy child. It is important for the mother to be in a happy frame of mind without undue anxiety and worries.

For good health throughout life, there are certain dos and don'ts.

Breast milk is the best for the infant during the early months. It contains all the nutrients in the correct proportions as well as factors to protect the baby from diseases. Breast fed babies are known to have good health as children and adults compared to those who were given milk other than the breast milk.

The growing child should receive a balanced diet. Excessive amount of starch, fatty food and sweets provide too much calories which results in obesity in children. Obese children are prone to diseases like difficulty in breathing and as adults they can suffer from diabetes and high blood pressure.

Lack of physical activities and exercises is a problem encountered by the present day children. The tuition classes after school and the time spent in front of the television keep them away from outdoor sports which are essential for the development of a child physically, mentally and socially.

Happy childhood is a prerequisite for healthy living. Parental love in a secure home and a stress free school life go a long way in ensuring a healthy life as a child and later as an adult. The competitive examinations and high expectations have become necessary evils. Children should be encouraged to take part in religious and social activities. Dangers of taking alcohol, addictive drugs and smoking should be stressed.

The diet plays a major role in healthy living of adults and elderly too. Balanced diet rich in vegetables and plenty of fruits is recommended. Food rich in calories like sweets can result in obesity, diabetes, and high blood pressure.

Fatty food can elevate blood cholesterol which increases the chances of ischaemic heart disease. Busy life style of present generation forces them to buy fast food and snacks which are known to contain plenty of oils and fats. Vegetables and green foods in the diet add fibres which promote good bowel habits.

Consumption of alcohol can cause diseases like gastritis, cirrhosis and blindness and also many social problems. Therefore for healthy living one should avoid alcohol. People who smoke are prone to respiratory diseases, cancers and ischaemic heart disease.

Both alcohol consumption and smoking could be a drain on ones purse leading to economic problems for the entire family. Not only the person who smokes but also the others who passively inhale can develop serious health problems. Therefore abstinence from alcohol and smoking are very important for healthy living.

Lack of physical exercises has become a causative factor of many ailments in adults who either do not show any interest in them or do not have enough time and opportunity for such activities. Modern comforts like vehicles and elevators prevent people from walking and climbing stairs which otherwise would have provided some form of exercise even unintentionally.

Such adults become overweight and develop diseases like diabetes, hypertension and arthritis. Therefore for healthy living, physical exercise in whatever form is very important.

Outdoor sports, cycling, swimming, jogging and even walking depending on ones fitness level and time available are recommended. Those who can afford can visit gyms or have their own exercise machines at homes. In addition to physical fitness the sports bring about mental happiness and improve social relationships.

There are some other important factors responsible for healthy living of a person. Children should focus on a sound education which will enable them to have a good job and a stable economic status later in life. One should be prepared to be happy and content with life's achievements in spite of having high expectations.

Anger, bad temper and jealousy should be expelled and kindness, friendliness and pleasant manners should be cultivated as much as possible. In this regard religion, visits to religious places and guidance and advice of religious leaders are of immense help. Children should be encouraged to cultivate good manners.

Another important factor for healthy living is good healthy social interaction with others in the community. Cordial relationship with relatives, neighbours, colleagues and with everybody in general will enable a person to achieve much mental happiness. Afterall, healthy living is all about having a healthy body and a healthy mind.