A new global health ranking by the Indigo Wellness Index has identified South Africa as the unhealthiest country on earth. This ranking was based on healthy life expectancy, blood pressure, blood glucose, obesity, depression, happiness, alcohol use, tobacco use, inactivity, and how much the government spends on healthcare. We looked at 5 of the measures used to determine the ranking, and put together some suggestions to help you and all of us to become healthier.
Blood pressure
Regular exercise makes your heart stronger and lowers blood pressure. Exercising for at least 30 minutes three or four times a week can contribute to improved overall health.
Obesity
Obesity is defined as an abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that presents a risk to health (World Health Organisation). Maintaining a healthy, balanced diet, and exercising are great contributors to a person’s health. Have a look at the blogs in the Get Healthy section of our blog for ideas on how to become healthier.
Tobacco use
Tobacco smoking and tuberculosis (TB) are major global public health problems, with 56% of active tuberculosis patients in South Africa being smokers. We have spoken time and time again about the dangers of smoking and believe that the message has sunk in by now. Serious about quitting? Try Smokenders today!
Happiness
Being healthier is more than just about eating healthy food and exercising regularly, it is about taking care of your mind and emotions also. In other words, it is about your happiness too. In a previous post titled ‘The benefits of being kind’, we discussed a way of being healthier that directly relates to how we treat others.
Inactivity
Being regularly physically active has numerous benefits including lowering your blood pressure, help you maintain a healthy weight and make you happier. What’s more? Multiply will make you happier by rewarding you for choosing to be more physically active.
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You might also want to read this post on 6 ways to a green Healthy Heart Score.
References
Health ranking by the Indigo Wellness Index
World Health Organisation
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-45408017
