Health Mistakes

Regular Health Mistakes

All of us make little health mistakes that cause damage to our bodies in the long run - simply because we are unaware we are doing something wrong. Here are some of the most common mistakes made by many of us.

Crossing our legs

Do you cross your legs at your knees when sitting? Although we may believethat this is the lady-like elegant way to sit, sitting this way cuts downcirculation to your legs. If you don’t want varicose veins to mar the beautyof your legs and compromise your health, uncross your legs every time yourealise you have one knee on top of the other. The best way to sit is tosimply place both legs together on the floor, balancing your weight equally.If you feel like changing position, instead of crossing your legs, simplymove both legs together to one side. As an alternative, you could alsoconsider crossing your legs loosely at the ankles. This is a classicallyelegant way to sit, and is far better for your legs and your health thansitting with your legs crossed at your knees.

Not changing our toothbrush

How often do you change your toothbrush? Most of us wait until most of thebristles have either fallen off, or are in such bad shape that we’d be embarrassed to pull out our brush in public. However, since not many of us need to pull out our brush in public, we carry on with our frayed one until we lose it. Replace your toothbrush often. Damaged bristles can harm theenamel, and don’t massage your gums well. If you find brushing your teeth apain like I do, but know you must do it, you might as well be doing itright. Imagine going through the annoyance of brushing your teeth twice aday only to find out that you’re damaging your enamel every time you cleanyour teeth. Also, use a brush with soft bristles unless your dentist has advised otherwise.
Eating out oftenThere are oils that are high in cholesterol, and oils that cause little harmand are better for your heart. However, no matter how light the oil is, itis never a good idea to eat too much of it. Avoid fried foods. Remember that in all probability your favorite Indian food restaurant throws a huge, HUGE chunk of butter in a tiny bowl of dahl.Rita, who worked in the kitchen of a 5 star hotel, was shocked when she sawthe cook chop a 500gm butter slab in half, and throw half into a PaneerMakhani dish. No wonder the customers left licking their fingers. And nowonder they felt so stuffed and heavy afterwards. Limit outdoor eatingunless you know that you’re getting served light and healthy food.

Skipping breakfast

Never, ever skip breakfast. Remember, when you wake up in the morning it’sbeen around 10-12 hours since your last meal. Your body needs food now, morethan at any other time. Eat a heavy breakfast. You will then be busy throughthe day, and the calories will get expended quickly. If you are trying todiet, eat a light dinner. Here are some more common health mistakes we make.Being informed and making a few changes can help make us feel a whole lot better.

High heels

High heels sure look great, but they’re murder for your back. This howeverdoesn’t mean you should steer clear of stilettos. Wear them, but not whenyou know you will be walking around a lot. Wear them when going out forlunch or dinner - when the only walking you will be doing is to your car, tothe table, and back. Avoid high heels when you are going somewhere on foot.If you are constantly tempted to wear your heels, take a good look at yourflats. Is there something about them you dislike? Invest in a new pair ofbeautiful flats or shoes with a low heel. Buy something you love, that youwill enjoy wearing. If possible, get a matching bag. You will then enjoyyour flats as much as you do your heels.

Sleeping on a soft bed

You don’t have to sleep on the floor be kind to your back, but do make sureyou have a firm mattress.. Although a mattress on springs is soft and lovelyto sink into, it’s bad for your back. If you already have an old bed withsprings, you don’t need to invest in a new one - simply get a thick woodenplank put over the springs, and place the mattress on the plank. Similarly, if your mattress is old and lumpy, throw it out and get a new one. Your neck and your back will thank you. The same rule applies to sofas. If you will be spending hours on a sofa, get a firm yet comfortable one. Sofas youcompletely sink into are not the best idea.

Pillows

No matter how comfortable sleeping with ten cushions is, have pity on yourneck and resist. Sleep with one pillow, and make sure it is not too thick.If your pillow gets lumpy, discard it and go for a new one. Get a thinpillow if you sleep on your stomach and something a little thicker if yousleep on your back, to give your neck adequate support.

Not exercising

So all of us know we should exercise more, but many of us don’t. This is ahealth mistake we consciously make! And why is that? Simply because werefuse to admit the damage we are causing to our bodies by not working out.A number of people only start working out once they’ve experienced a warningsignal. Don’t wait for a heart attack to strike before you decide to opt fora lifestyle change. Make the change now. You don’t need to train for themarathon to be in top shape. Half an hour of brisk walking three to fourtimes a week will make a world of difference to your health. You could thenincrease this to forty minutes, four times a week - and you’re all set. Ifyou haven’t exercised for a week, you’re making a mistake.