Over the years, studies have shown that lifestyle plays a significant role in health. The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that lifestyle has a 60% correlation with aspects associated with an individual’s health and quality of life. As a result of an unhealthy lifestyle, many people develop disorders such as hypertension, diabetes, and obesity. Full body checkups aid in the early detection and interventions for such potential conditions and prompt you to adopt healthier habits such as regular exercise and a balanced diet that may protect you against many life-threatening conditions.

Lifestyle Factors Affecting Full Body Health 

Lifestyle risk factors such as an unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, alcohol consumption, use of tobacco, and stress have a negative impact on one’s health as they may lead to conditions such as diabetes, obesity, hypertension, cancer and lung disease. By making conscious decisions, individuals can foster a more balanced lifestyle, manage stress more effectively, and promote overall mental and emotional health. Focusing on daily habits such as proper nutrition, regular exercise, and adequate rest can have a significant positive impact on well-being and quality of life. 

Nutritional Choices and Full Body Health

The primary role of nutrients is to provide energy, support bodily structure, and/or regulate chemical processes in the body. To keep the body healthy and functioning properly, nutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, vitamins, minerals, and water are essential. The three main nutrition groups that are processed into energy are carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids. The energy generated from these sources allows the body to conduct all its basic functions. Vitamins and minerals (e.g., vitamin B12, vitamin C, iron, magnesium, and zinc) are essential for brain and muscular function. 

However, eating and drinking unhealthy foods and drinks, such as highly processed foods and beverages with added sugar, can cause weight gain, obesity, and other chronic illnesses.

Physical Activity and Its Impact on Full Body Health 

Regular exercise is one of the most important things you can do for your well-being. In addition to helping you lose weight and lowering your risk of diseases (such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and malignancies), physical activity also lowers blood pressure and enhances your quality of life. Regular exercise can strengthen your muscles and bones, improve your brain health, and enhance your ability to do everyday activities.

Physical activity has a favorable impact on mental health and well-being as well. Engaging in regular physical activity lowers the risk of chronic illnesses like dementia, depression, anxiety, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity, and cancer.

The Importance of Quality Sleep 

Adequate sleep is essential for maintaining your health and well-being throughout your life. Your body works to support healthy brain function and preserves physical health while you sleep. Adequate sleep also helps with the growth and development of children. Over time, inadequate sleep can increase your chance of developing chronic (long-term) health issues. Individuals with poor sleep show a decrease in cognitive function, increase in mood disturbances, and a weakened immune system. 

Some tips for improving sleep quality include sticking to a routine (waking up and sleeping at the same time each day), avoiding coffee and alcohol close to bedtime, and eating at least two hours before you sleep. Electronic devices, such as TVs and mobile phones, should be kept out of your bedroom. Simple meditation techniques (closing your eyes for 5 minutes while breathing deeply) will help improve your sleep quality.

Stress Management and Full Body Health 

We are all exposed to stress in our daily lives to some extent. When we are stressed, it leads to the release of hormones in the body that help us respond to the situations of stress. However, long-term exposure to stress hormones has a damaging effect on the body. In fact, it is estimated that 70% of people with medical conditions are affected by chronic stress. Chronic stress has been linked to many health conditions such as neurological disorders, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease, accelerated ageing, and early death. 

By opting for a routine checkup and managing your stress levels, you can improve your physical health, mood, and overall quality of life. 

You can lower your stress levels using the relaxation methods listed below: 

• Deep breathing: Taking slow, long, deep breaths and focusing on your breath helps release the stress. 
• Meditation: This involves paying attention to your breathing, and keeping your mind from wandering to thoughts about the past or the future. 
• Guided imagery: Using this approach, you can help yourself relax and focus by visualising relaxing pictures, places, or experiences. 
• Body scan: This technique incorporates deep breathing and focusing on each body part and relaxing it consciously.  
• Yoga, qigong, and tai chi: These three disciplines consist of a series of postures or flowing movements combined with rhythmic breathing. They can also improve your balance and flexibility.

Substance Use and Its Effects on Full Body Health 

Addictions usually cause one or more medical conditions, such as lung or heart disease, stroke, cancer, or mental health disorders. Blood tests, chest X-rays, and imaging scans can all demonstrate the detrimental consequences of long-term drug usage on the organs in the body.

The use of tobacco, alcohol and recreational drugs has the following effects on the body: 

• Tobacco: Smoking damages almost all of the body’s organs and increases the risk of illnesses and disability. It can cause lung diseases like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cancer, stroke, diabetes, heart disease, stroke. Smoking is also associated with conditions such as certain eye diseases, tuberculosis, and immune system conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis.
• Alcohol: Drinking alcohol can raise your blood pressure, which increases the risk of heart attack and stroke. Alcohol also damages the muscles of the heart, which can lead to heart failure and have an impact on the brain, liver, lungs, and other body systems.
• Recreational Drugs: Many people use recreational drugs to provide pleasure or to enhance their lives in some other way, but these can also result in societal issues, addiction, and health issues such as infections and mental health problems. They are also associated with an increased risk of overdose, which can lead to death. 

Making informed choices regarding substance use can lead to improved physical and mental well-being, reduced permanent damage to vital organs, increased energy, improved sleep quality, improved mood and overall well-being.

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Understanding the need for full body checkups in an imbalanced lifestyle 

Comprehensive medical evaluations are intended to assess a person’s general state of health and identify possible health issues before they become serious. Therefore, even if you are feeling well, it is advisable to get a health checkup at regular intervals. These checkups will look for any new or developing health issues, determine your future medical risk, and encourage you to continue living a healthy lifestyle.

During a full body health check, healthcare professionals can offer personalised advice on lifestyle changes, diet modifications, exercise routines, or preventive measures based on your test results and your health. These recommendations can help individuals make informed choices to improve their overall health and well-being. 

Conclusion 

With our busy lifestyles, it is important that we choose to live mindfully and make deliberate decisions about our lifestyle and wellness practices. A more balanced lifestyle, improved stress management, and enhanced mental and emotional well-being can all lead to better quality of life and longevity. This can be achieved with practices such as consistent exercise, healthy eating, and enough sleep. 

Orange Health Labs delivers the benefits of a diagnostic laboratory from the comfort of your own home. A trained, certified, and vaccinated eMedic will arrive at your location in 60 minutes or as per the chosen time for sample collection. For testing, the collected samples will be submitted directly to our ICMR and NABL-accredited laboratory. Booking your health checkup with Orange Health Care Labs ensures quick and accurate results within a few hours of sample collection. Why wait any longer? Go ahead, take charge of your life and make sure you get yourself a health checkup regularly.