There’s more to health than food and exercise

Weight is just one data point when it comes to health. Likewise, there’s more to health than food and exercise.

These healthy behaviours can increase your chances of living a longer, healthier life:

• Wearing a seat belt in cars
• Not smoking
• Drinking alcohol responsibly (or not drinking alcohol)
• Wearing sunscreen/hat/sunglasses etc
• Attending regular GP, optometrist and dental appointments
• Having regular pap smears/mammograms/prostate checks
• Practicing safer sex
• Spending quality time with supportive people
• Seeing a mental health professional when/if required
• Allowing time for rest and relaxation

Is there anything on the list that you could improve on?

It’s worth remembering too though, that health isn’t entirely under our control. Genetics, environment, socioeconomic status, stigma and discrimination and just blind luck also play a part.

We also have to balance health with quality of life, and the choices that one person makes won’t necessarily be the right choice for someone else. It’s hard to tell how healthy someone is just by looking at them or observing them for a short time. It’s also not really our business, unless they ask us directly for advice.

Is it worth focussing on your relationship with food and exercise? Absolutely! They can make a huge difference to your health and wellbeing. But let’s not lose sight of the big picture either – that health is complex, multi-faceted and looks different for everyone.

What healthy behaviours are you focussing most on at the moment?