healthy facts

                                        HEALTH FACTS 
A Health, as defined by the World Health Organisation (WHO), is "a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of viruses" This definition has been subject to controversy, as it may have limited value for implementation. Health may be defined as the ability to adapt and manage physical, mental and social challenges throughout life.

General Health Facts

These health facts cover a range of topics to provide you with knowledge and insights into how you can better take care of yourself and information about health around the world.

1.  Laughing is good for the heart and can increase blood flow by 20 per cent.

2. Your skin works hard. Not only is it the largest organ in the body, but it defends against disease and infection, regulates your temperature and aids in vitamin production.

3. Always look on the bright side: being an optimist can help you live longer.\

4. Exercise will give you more energy, even when you’re tired.

5. Chewing gum makes you more alert, relieves stress and reduces anxiety levels.

SURPRISING HEALTH FACTS

1. Drinking Coffee Can Prevent Depression

We hear a lot about the negative Effects of caffeine on our health, but it turns out that caffeine has its good points too. Research from the Harvard School of Public Health found that women who drank a minimum of four cups of coffee per day could lower their risk of depression by 20 per cent. Earlier research also found that females who drank two or more cups per day were less likely to commit suicide.

2. Chewing Gum Makes You More Alert

If your suffering from a mid-afternoon slump or can’t seem to concentrate in the morning, then try chewing some gum to make you feel awake. Coventry University researchers found that chewing mint flavoured gum dramatically reduced feelings of tiredness. Another study on the subject found that chewing gum can improve overall test scores and memory by 35 per cent, relieve stress and reduce anxiety levels.

3. 

Sitting At A Desk Can Increase Death Risk By Almost 50 Per Cent.

Office workers beware, as research from the University of Sydney found that office workers who sit for longer than 10 hours a day at their desk had a 48 per cent increase in the risk of death, in comparison to people who sat for less than four hours a day. To counteract this health risk, try to introduce five minutes of activity every hour and make sure you take regular breaks away from your workstationSimple changes like taking the stairs instead of the lift will also make a positive difference to your health.

4. To Cool Down, Drink Something Hot

It might sound counterproductive, but if you want to cool down, then drink something hot. According to a study from the University of Ottawa’s School of Human Kinetics, as the drink is hotter than your body temperature, it triggers a sweat response in the body that more than compensates for the increase. So although it might initially make you feel hotter, a hot drink will cause you to sweat more and therefore the body effectively cools itself quicker.

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 5 WAYS TO A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE

1. Get active each day

• Regular physical activity is important for the healthy growth, development and well-being of kids and teens.
• They should get at least 60 minutes of physical activity every day, including vigorous activities that make them ‘huff and puff’.
• Parents should be good role models and have a positive attitude to being active.

2. Choose water as a drink

• Water is the best way to quench your thirst – and it doesn’t come with the added sugar found in soft drinks, fruit juice drinks and other sweetened drinks.
• Reduced fat milk for children over two years of age is a nutritious drink and a great source of calcium.
• Give kids and teens whole fruit to eat, rather than offering fruit juices which contain less fibre.

3. Eat more fruit and vegetables

• Eating fruit and vegetables every day helps kids and teens grow and develop, boosts their vitality and can reduce the risk of many chronic diseases.
• Aim to eat two serves of fruit and five serves of vegetables every day. (This varies for boys and girls at different ages.)
• Have fresh fruit available as a convenient snack and try to include fruit and vegies in every meal.

4. Switch off the TV or computer and get active

• Sedentary or ‘still’ time spent watching TV, surfing online or playing computer games is linked to kids becoming overweight or obese.
• Kids and teens should spend no more than 2 hours a day on ‘small screen’ entertainment.
• Plan a range of active indoor and outdoor games or activities for your children, as alternatives to watching TV or playing on the computer.

5. Eat fewer snacks and select healthier alternatives

• Healthy snacks help kids and teens meet their daily nutritional needs.
• Snacks based on fruit and vegetables, reduced fat dairy products and whole grains are the healthiest choices.
• Avoid snacks that are high in sugar or saturated fats – such as chips, cakes and chocolate – which can cause children to put on excess weight.