A healthy lifestyle is the main factor of health
According to WHO experts, health depends 50-55% on a person’s lifestyle, 20-23% on heredity, 20-25% on the state of the environment (ecology) and 8-12% on the work of the national system healthcare. So, to the greatest extent, human health depends on lifestyle, which means we can assume that the general line of formation and strengthening of health is a healthy lifestyle (HLS).
According to modern concepts, a healthy lifestyle is typical forms and methods of daily human activity that strengthen and improve the adaptive (adaptive) and reserve capabilities of the body, which ensures the successful performance of social and professional functions.
Every lifestyle is based on principles, i.e. rules of behavior that an individual follows. There are biological and social principles on the basis of which a healthy lifestyle is formed. Biological principles : lifestyle should be age-appropriate, energetically secure, strengthening, rhythmic, moderate. Social principles : lifestyle should be aesthetic, moral, strong-willed, self-limiting.
This classification is based on the principle of the unity of the individual and the general, the unity of the organism and the environment - biological and social. In this regard, a healthy lifestyle is nothing more than a rational organization of human life on the basis of key biological and social vital forms of behavior - behavioral factors . We list the main ones:
- cultivation of positive emotions that promote mental well-being - the basis of all aspects of life and health;
- optimal motor activity (OA) is the leading innate mechanism of bioprogress and health;
- rational nutrition is a basic factor of bioprogress and health;
- a rhythmic lifestyle corresponding to biorhythms is the basic principle of the body’s life;
- effective organization of work activity is the main form of self-realization, formation and reflection of human essence;
- sexual culture is a key factor in life as an adequate and progressive form of reproduction of the species;
- healthy aging is a natural process of fruitful longevity;
- giving up harmful addictions (alcoholism, drug addiction, smoking, etc.) is a decisive factor in maintaining health.
In practice, the implementation of these forms of behavior is extremely difficult. One of the main reasons for this should be recognized as the lack of motivation for a positive attitude towards one’s health and healthy lifestyle. The fact is that in the hierarchy of needs underlying human behavior (for example, a student), health is far from being in first place. This is due to the low individual and general culture of Russian society, which determines the lack of emphasis on the primacy (supremacy) of the value of health in the hierarchy of human needs. Consequently, the formation of health is primarily the problem of every person. It should begin with the education of motivation for health and a healthy lifestyle, because this motivation is a system-forming factor in behavior. In other words, if there is motivation (a purposeful need), there will be corresponding behavior.
The Myth of Disability
Another stereotype is that a person with mental disorders is incapacitated and cannot work normally. Clinical psychologist Anna Afanasyeva says that legal capacity is a legal category that means the ability to manage one’s rights and bear responsibilities.
“As a rule, unless we are talking about severe mental illness, people with personality disorders are fully capable. They need work, and through it they increase their level of socialization. In addition, if a client pays for therapy out of his own pocket, his motivation for positive changes is noticeably higher,” the expert comments.
Afanasyeva points out that it is necessary to distinguish between legal capacity and sanity - the second means the ability to understand one’s actions and direct them. If a person with a diagnosed mental disorder has committed a crime, the court may raise questions about sanity. “If insanity is proven, this will become the basis for release from liability and the appointment of compulsory treatment,” explains the psychologist.
Healthy lifestyle and ways of its formation
A healthy lifestyle (HLS) is a term that is being used more and more often. The simplest definition of a healthy lifestyle is everything in a lifestyle that has a beneficial effect on health. Consequently, the concept of a healthy lifestyle includes all the positive aspects of people’s activities: job satisfaction, active life position, social optimism, high physical activity, well-organized life, absence of bad habits, high medical activity, etc.
Forming an attitude towards a healthy lifestyle is the most important task of the state, since lifestyle is a determining factor of health.
The formation of a healthy lifestyle is also the task of health care, social protection, and education authorities. WHO recommendations are aimed at developing a healthy lifestyle:
- food low in animal fats;
- reducing the amount of salt consumed;
- reducing the consumption of alcoholic beverages;
- maintaining normal body weight;
- regular exercise;
- reducing stress levels, etc.
The formation of an attitude towards a healthy lifestyle is the basis of any preventive activity, numerous programs aimed at improving the health of society. Promoting a healthy lifestyle is the most important function and task of all health authorities (especially primary health care institutions), health education centers, educational institutions, social protection authorities, etc.
The attitude towards a healthy lifestyle should be formed in the following areas: 1) strengthening and creating a positive lifestyle; 2) overcoming, reducing risk factors.
Studying and forming public opinion regarding the assessment of one’s own health is one of the difficult tasks of developing an attitude towards a healthy lifestyle. Along with health authorities, the media plays a big role in this. It is necessary to understand that the health of the population is ensured not only by the responsibility of the state and society, but also by the responsibility of each of us for our own health and the health of everyone.
A healthy lifestyle is based on scientifically based sanitary and hygienic standards aimed at improving health: rational nutrition; physical activity; hardening; absence of bad habits; the ability to overcome stressful conditions (for example, mastery of auto-training techniques); high medical activity (timeliness of medical examinations, timeliness of seeking medical help in case of illness, active participation in medical examinations); ability to provide first aid in case of sudden illness, injury, etc.
The Myth of Genius
The opposite stereotype is about the connection between mental pathologies and special human talents. “This is again a myth,” says Max Ilyin. “No serious correlation has been found between personality disorders and talent, much less genius, although there is a lot of research on this subject.”
Manifestations of pathologies more often than not help, but interfere with work, creating something new, experiencing inspiration, and ultimately self-realization. “Disorders complicate the functioning of the psyche, causing problems in a variety of areas. As a result, they are often the ones who bring the client to therapy,” explains Anna Afanasyeva. “The desire to cope with these consequences of their condition is the most common request from our clients.”
Regular menstrual cycle
Menstruation normally occurs at intervals of 27 to 35 days. Regularity of the cycle is a sign of reproductive health. Constant or periodic failures indicate a dysfunction of the ovaries, when a woman’s body does not produce the required amount of hormones. This may be indicated by overweight or underweight, headaches, frequent mood swings, fatigue, and bad mood.
Strong nails
Good condition of the nail plate is a criterion of well-being and an objective indicator of health. Cracked nails with cross lines may indicate an iron or vitamin D deficiency, a pale, brownish-red color may indicate kidney problems, and whitish dots may indicate a calcium deficiency. Healthy nails grow well, have a delicate pink tint, a white lunula (rim at the base), and a solid cuticle. The thickness depends on age, but the plate is even and smooth.
Good skin
The condition of a healthy person is determined by the appearance of the skin. Dull color, flaking, excessive dryness or oiliness, rashes indicate improper functioning of the body. The appearance of acne in adolescents is a physiological norm, but such a problem in an adult can indicate hormonal disorders, the presence of a source of infection, malfunction of the digestive system, and neuropsychic disorders.
The condition of the skin depends on genetics, the influence of environmental conditions, and the functioning of the body. But it should have a healthy color, be even and without rashes.
The Myth of Disorder Fashion
With successful therapy, the disorder can go into long-term remission - often this condition lasts until the end of life. Elena Beletskaya says that due to the fact that it has now become possible to talk about one’s psychological characteristics, a myth has arisen about the fashion for disorders.
“Suffering from psychopathology is not cool. It’s cool not to suffer,” she says. - And it’s even cooler to cope with your disorder, and then tell how it was. Perhaps such a story will help someone else get rid of their torment.”
Normal functioning of the gastrointestinal tract
The gastrointestinal tract functions differently depending on a combination of constant and changing factors - genetics, eating habits, medications, current health problems. If changes occur, abdominal pain, skin rashes appear, bowel movements are disrupted, and constipation often occurs. The absence of such symptoms indicates a healthy digestive tract.
Fresh breath is a sign of balanced intestinal function. A sickly-sweet breath odor may indicate diabetes, too sour - indicates reflux (belching), fishy - about kidney problems.
The right diet
Eating a variety of plant foods normalizes blood pressure, blood sugar levels, and reduces the risk of heart disease, stroke, vision problems, and digestion. If your daily menu includes fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, you can talk about good nutrition and overall health of the body. Half of the population neglects this simple method of keeping themselves in good condition.
Prosperous relationships in society
Having loved ones, friends, and a wide circle of friends affects physical and psychological health. Loneliness and stress negatively affect the coronary arteries, intestinal function, regulation of hormone production, and the immune system. People with more social connections live longer and fuller lives than their isolated peers.
Feeling good, the ability to listen, show care, support, sympathize, and help others speak about your own emotional well-being and moral status.
Thick, shiny hair
Brittle, dry hair is a symptom of your body not working properly. This is how hypothyroidism (lack of hormones), vitamin deficiency, and disruption of the gastrointestinal tract manifest themselves. Early gray hair can be associated with severe stress or diabetes.
Doctors say that hair is an indicator of health. If they shine, do not fall out, and grow quickly, it means that the body receives a sufficient amount of nutrients, they are fully absorbed, and the metabolism is not impaired.
