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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 believe
that
this is the lady-like elegant way to sit, sitting this way cuts down
circulation to your legs. If you don't want varicose veins to mar the
beauty of
your legs and compromise your health, uncross your legs every time you
realize
you have one knee on top of the other. The best way to sit is to simply
place
both legs together on the floor, balancing your weight equally. If you
feel
like changing position, instead of crossing your legs, simply move both
legs
together to one side. As an alternative, you could also consider
crossing your
legs loosely at the ankles. This is a classically elegant way to sit,
and is
far better for your legs and your health than sitting 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 the bristles 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 the enamel, and don't massage your gums well.
If you
find brushing your teeth a pain like I do, but know you must do it, you
might
as well be doing it right. Imagine going through the annoyance of
brushing your
teeth twice a day only to find out that you're damaging your enamel
every time
you clean your teeth. Also, use a brush with soft bristles unless your
dentist
has advised otherwise.
EATING OUT OFTEN
There are oils that are high
in cholesterol, and oils that cause little harm and are better for your
heart. However, no matter how light the
oil is, it is 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 dal. Rita, who worked in the
kitchen of a 5 star hotel, was shocked when she saw the cook chop a
500gm
butter slab in half, and throw half into a Paneer Makhani
dish.
No wonder the customers left licking their
fingers. And no wonder they felt so stuffed and heavy afterwards. Limit
outdoor
eating unless 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's been around 10-12 hours since your last meal. Your
body needs
food now, more than at any other time. Eat a heavy breakfast. You will
then be
busy through the day, and the calories will get expended quickly. If
you are
trying to diet, 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 however doesn't mean you should
steer
clear of stilettos. Wear them, but not when you know you will be
walking around
a lot. Wear them when going out for lunch or dinner - when the only
walking you
will be doing is to your car, to the 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 your flats. Is there something about them you
dislike? Invest in a new pair of beautiful flats or
shoes with a low heel. Buy something you love, that you will enjoy
wearing. If
possible, get a matching bag. You will then enjoy your 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 sure you have a firm
mattress.
Although a mattress on springs is soft and lovely to sink into, it's
bad for
your back. If you already have an old bed with springs, you don't need
to
invest in a new one - simply get a thick wooden plank 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 you
completely sink into are not the best idea.
PILLOWS
No matter how comfortable
sleeping with ten cushions is, have pity on your neck 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 thin pillow if you sleep
on your
stomach and something a little thicker if you sleep 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 a health mistake we
consciously
make! And why is that? Simply because we refuse 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 warning signal.
Don't wait for a heart attack to strike before you decide to opt for a
lifestyle change. Make the change now. You don't need to train for the
marathon
to be in top shape. Half an hour of brisk walking three to four times a
week
will make a world of difference to your health. You could then increase
this to
forty minutes, four times a week - and you're all set. If you haven't
exercised
for a week, you're making a mistake.
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