As a physician practicing in Canada for over 15 years, I have seen people from all walks of life and a range of health conditions.
While health issues can affect anyone, there are some key steps Canadians can take to optimize their health and well-being. Here are my top recommendations:
- Get regular checkups. See your doctor for a physical exam once a year, or as recommended based on your age and health risks. Early detection of health issues is critical, so routine screening tests like blood pressure, cholesterol, and cancer screenings should be done based on guidelines.
- Focus on diet and exercise. A balanced diet with lots of fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains is vital. Aim for 30-60 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week. Losing excess weight and staying active will help reduce your risks of disease and keep your energy levels up.
- Limit unhealthy habits. Don’t smoke or vape, and avoid excessive alcohol and recreational drug use. These habits damage your health and shorten your lifespan. I strongly advise all my patients to quit smoking and make other lifestyle changes to avoid health issues down the road.
- Manage any chronic conditions. If you have a condition like diabetes, heart disease, or high blood pressure, follow your doctor’s recommendations carefully regarding medication, diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes. Well-managed chronic diseases have less impact on life expectancy and quality of life.
- Get enough sleep. Most adults need 7-9 hours of sleep per night to feel well-rested. Lack of sleep can have significant impacts on your health, mood, and cognition. Make sleep a priority and practice good sleep hygiene to ensure you get the rest you need.
- Practice good hygiene. Wash your hands frequently, cover coughs and sneezes, and stay home if you’re sick to avoid infecting others. Good hygiene, especially during flu season and viral outbreaks, is one of the best ways to prevent the spread of disease.
Following these best practices, along with any recommendations specific to your health conditions, will help ensure you live a long and healthy life. Please speak to your doctor if you have any other questions about health and wellness. Your health should be a top priority, so take these recommendations to heart!
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