10 Tips for Healthy Living: Insights from VOA Experts

10 Tips for Healthy Living: Insights from VOA Experts

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can be challenging, but it is crucial for both physical and mental wellbeing. To help our readers achieve this goal, we gathered insights from experts at the Voice of America (VOA) who shared their top 10 tips for healthy living.

1. Eat a Balanced Diet

Proper and balanced nutrition is key to a healthy body and mind. According to Registered Dietitian, Jessica Tosto, eating a diet that includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains can provide the nutrients and energy the body needs. She recommends the Plate Method, which advocates building each meal with half the plate consisting of fruits and vegetables, one-quarter protein, and one-quarter whole grains.

2. Stay Hydrated

Drinking sufficient water is necessary for maintaining good health. Mild dehydration can lead to fatigue, headaches, and mood swings. According to VOA Health Reporter, Carol Pearson, men should aim to drink about 3.7 liters of water a day, while women should aim for 2.7 liters.

3. Exercise Regularly

Physical exercise is key to maintaining a healthy weight, strengthening muscles and bones, and reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease. Exercise can also boost mood and mental wellbeing. Aiming for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise per day is recommended.

4. Prioritize Sleep

Getting enough restful sleep is crucial to maintaining good health. Poor sleep can lead to a range of negative health outcomes. Dr. Robert Morgan, Neurologist at VOA, recommends adults aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night.

5. Manage Stress

Stress is a natural part of life, but chronic stress can lead to negative outcomes such as depression and heart disease. Dr. Maryam Khodadoust, a Family Medicine Doctor at VOA, recommends practicing self-care techniques such as meditation, yoga, and deep breathing exercises to manage stress.

6. Limit Alcohol Intake

Alcohol can be harmful to the body in high amounts, leading to liver damage, cancer, and other negative health outcomes. It is recommended that men limit their alcohol intake to 2 drinks per day, and women limit their intake to 1 drink per day.

7. Stay Connected

Maintaining social connections is important for overall wellbeing. Human connections help to reduce the risk of depression and other negative health outcomes. According to Dr. Uché Blackstock, a Yahoo News Medical Contributor, joining a club or group with similar interests can help to form social connections.

8. Sustain Healthy Relationships

Healthy relationships are essential for maintaining mental wellbeing. According to VOA Family Therapist Dr. Josephine Kim, positive communication is key to healthy relationships. She encourages individuals to discuss emotions respectfully and express affection regularly.

9. Stay Informed

Keeping informed about health issues and advancements can be important for preventing negative health outcomes. According to Dr. Tim Johnson, a contributor to ABC News, maintaining a curious and skeptical attitude towards health information can help sort out myths from facts.

10. Practice Preventive Care

Preventive care, such as regular checkups, immunizations, and health screenings, is vital for maintaining overall health and preventing illnesses. Dr. Doug Levi, Chief Medical Officer at VOA, recommends regular preventive care as a key factor in maintaining lifelong health.

Conclusion

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is a continuous process that requires constant effort and dedication. By following these tips recommended by experts, one can improve their chances of staying healthy both mentally and physically.