Get moving – your health depends on it

The World Move for Health Day, which took place on May 10, encourages people to take responsibility for their well-being.

People are encouraged to participate in physical activities and to eat healthily to reduce the risk of health-related issues.

While some find it easy to stay fit, others struggle.

Mr Saul Behrmann, from ER24, said the key to being healthy is to have fun while doing so and to not rush the process.

His advice is for residents to encourage someone to join them in their healthy choices.

“This makes the healthy lifestyle easier and more enjoyable. By not doing any form of exercise, you put your general health at risk. If people live unhealthy lifestyles, it could lead to severe illness and possibly result in death.

“Illnesses include diabetes, hypertension, congestive cardiac failure and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. It usually starts with gaining some extra kilogrammes and then the unhealthy lifestyle impacts on previously acquired illnesses and diseases. This unhealthy lifestyle then makes it more difficult for the body to get better easily,” he said.

Mr Behrmann, who has been a paramedic for the past 12 years, said he treats patients on a daily basis who could have changed their medical outcomes by adjusting their lifestyles and eating habits.

Mr Behrmann said there is a misconception that sudden dieting and excluding certain things will make a person healthy.

To kick-start your journey to a healthy lifestyle, consider the following tips:

r Take the stairs instead of the lifts at work.

r Park your vehicle a bit further away when visiting shopping malls.

r If it is safe to do so, take a 30 to 45 minute walk or jog around your area.

r Join the park runs in your area. It is fun and is hosted by like-minded people.

r General housework and cleaning is a simple way to accelerate your heart rate.

r A light walk or jog around the neighbourhood, sweeping the patio or mowing the lawn are guaranteed to raise your heart rate.