Three bad habits to break

It’s the beginning of a new year, so what better time to make some positive changes in our lives. Often as we look forward to the year ahead, we envision ways to improve our health and wellbeing. But before we get too carried away and all turn into born-again gym junkies or followers of super-strict diets, just remember that the most important thing is to be kind to yourself. Don’t try to change too much, too quickly, or you’re unlikely to maintain your new-found routines.

So instead, here are three bad habits that anyone can break. You don’t need to be a fitness fanatic or a super chef, and you certainly don’t need to be hard on yourself. Just follow these principles and you’re likely to feel healthier, happier and more fulfilled in time.  

 

Food fuels the brain and body, but eating too much of the wrong thing can be harmful. So too can fad diets. You know the ones: only eating on certain days or banishing everything from your plate except raw vegetables. If in doubt about a fad diet, always seek advice from a certified nutritionist or your doctor.

But in general, the best thing for most people is to follow a balanced diet combined with exercise. Hong Kong’s Centre for Health Protection recommends following the “Healthy Eating Food Pyramid”, with grains making up the majority of your intake, followed by lots of fruit and vegetables, moderate amounts of meat and fish, and reduced fat, salt and sugar.

Another positive aspect of having a balanced diet complemented with regular exercise is that it will help lower your cholesterol and decrease your risk of developing diabetes – which is one of the major critical illnesses in Hong Kong.

It goes without saying that smoking tobacco and drinking alcohol to excess are definitely out of the question. Numerous studies over the years link these activities to cancer, heart attacks, strokes and numerous other serious conditions.

But did you know that not getting enough sleep is a bad lifestyle habit as well? According to the Sleep Foundation, how well and poorly you sleep has an effect on weight gain and loss. What’s more, not getting enough sleep is a huge risk factor for obesity. And once you start putting on weight, you are putting yourself at risk of stroke, heart attack and diabetes yet again.

 
So how can you guarantee better shuteye? The Mayo Clinic suggests sticking to a sleep schedule, which means going to bed and getting up at the same times each day. Don’t overeat before you sleep, but also don’t go to bed hungry. Ensure your bedroom is cool, dark and quiet. But also, ensure you get enough exercise during the day.

While it’s important to eat and sleep well to live well, you also need to ensure you are protected financially against the unforeseen. Despite our best efforts to live healthily, critical illnesses can strike – and when they do, the cost of treatment and recovery can be overwhelming.

MSIG’s CriticalCare 1.0 provides a lump-sum payment for you or an insured family member is diagnosed with one of eight critical illnesses, including cancer, stroke, heart attack, coronary artery bypass surgery, kidney failure, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis and motor neurone disease.

To find out more about MSIG’s CriticalCare 1.0, please feel free to contact us or read more about our insurance plans.

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