5 minute read
Health
THE ULTIMATE RESOURCE GUIDE TO good health TEXT: SAMANTHA PAGE
A mindset that puts health and wellness at the top of your priority list is the key to thriving – not merely surviving. You can achieve this by surrounding yourself with people, ideas, strategies and experiences that teach you how to prioritise self-care. We’ve put together a toolkit of digital resources to point you in the right direction.
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WATCH
Unrest on Netflix (a documentary by Jennifer Brea)
Jennifer is about to marry the love of her life when she’s struck down by an unexpected fever that leaves her bedridden. Her fi ancé watches her steady decline until she can’t even sit in a wheelchair. They consult a series of specialists and doctors, only to be told that it’s all in her head. At this point, the Harvard PhD student turns the camera on herself – and the community of people with similar symptoms she has assembled – as she looks for answers and fi ghts for a cure.
Her diagnosis? Myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME), commonly known as chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) – a multi-system disease that causes dysfunction of the neurological, immune, endocrine and energy metabolic systems of the body.
This documentary, which was a resounding success at the 2017 Sundance Film Festival, is a riveting and insightful fi rst-hand account of a patient battling the stigma of illness and for the need to be heard by healthcare professionals.
THE TAKE-HOME:
Always trust your body. If you think there’s something wrong, fi ght to be heard.
READ
Keep Sharp: Build a Better Brain at Any Age by Dr Sanjay Gupta (Simon & Schuster, ebook or print)
Cognitive decline is a real fear for more and more people as brain diseases like Alzheimer’s are no longer relegated to the elderly. People in their 40s and 50s are
being diagnosed too. In fact, Dr Gupta reports that by 2060, one new case of dementia (the term for a group of diseases that cause cognitive impairment) will be diagnosed every four seconds. His message is compelling: you can build a better brain at any age.
How does he propose you do that? The main thrust of the book is prevention and how to reduce your risk of developing a serious condition. It’s not a science lesson but rather a life lesson – how to live well and keep your brain healthy in the process. Also included is a helpful 12-week sharp-brain programme readers can follow that provides practical steps to building a mind that’s productive and strong.
THE TAKE-HOME:
The seeds of dementia are planted decades before symptoms occur, which is why the earlier you start prioritising mental acuity and brain health, the better.
LISTEN
Being Well podcast (by Dr Rick Hanson & Forrest Hanson)
Can you teach someone to “be well”? Dr Rick Hanson has been doing just that for over 30 years, and this podcast makes his advice accessible to a wider audience. He is joined by his son Forrest, who co-authored their book Resilient, and a stellar line-up of expert guests.
Many episodes include insights from ordinary people who have first-hand experience that adds value. There is also a renewed focus on mental well-being, given the overwhelming emotional toll the coronavirus pandemic has taken on people around the world.
THE TAKE-HOME:
Practical tips and tools can make lasting well-being achievable. Smart strategies teach you how to take back your power in the quest for a healthy, happy life.
DOWNLOAD
Sleep Cycle app (Basic membership free; in-app purchases apply)
If you’re struggling to catch some ZZZs, this sleep-tracking app is for you. Voted the Best Sleep App by Livestrong, this tool provides advanced insight into sleep trends in both the short and long term. Without having to wear a device (you simply place your phone next to your bed), the app measures sleep quality, sleep patterns, disruptions and heart rate, and suggests what might be holding you back from optimal daytime energy. It has a user-friendly interface and collates data so you can compare daily, weekly and monthly sleep patterns. (It’s also a smart alarm clock that wakes you gently during your lightest sleep cycle.)
THE TAKE-HOME:
Sleep deprivation has been linked to high blood pressure, obesity, depression, impaired immunity, lack of concentration and more. Quality sleep is essential.
4 THINGS TO LOOK FOR IN A HEALTH APP
#1 DOES IT SUIT YOUR GOALS? There’s an app for just about anything these days. Determine your health goals and evaluate the app carefully to see if it can help you achieve them. If you want to improve physical activity, opt for a fitness tracker.
#2 IS IT EASY TO USE? A user-friendly interface is the most basic requirement. There’s no point in downloading an app and then not using it because it’s too fiddly or confusing. Do a free trial if you can.
#3 DOES IT PROVIDE ACTIONABLE INFORMATION? The most effective health apps provide users with evidence-based strategies and actionable data that will improve their health in some way. #4 DOES IT SUIT YOUR BUDGET? Many users are drawn in by “free”, only to discover that there are in-app purchases required to use essential features. Make sure that the cost of these features aligns to your budget.
DO THIS
Secret Sunrise
Before the busyness of the day takes hold, why not gather outdoors in a beautiful location for a dance and meditation session? Secret Sunrise events celebrate life through music, movement and connection.
This silent guided dance, born under African skies, has been hosted in over 16 cities worldwide. The unique concept, which utilises specially designed headsets, is guided by experienced facilitators who take you through a series of musical genres, encouraging you to express your emotions in whichever way feels most comfortable.
THE TAKE-HOME:
Cultivating joy is an important part of life, so consider shifting your focus from acquiring things to filling your life with unique experiences instead. Secret Sunrise is hosted in Cape Town, Joburg, Durban, PE, Plett and White River, and booking is essential. Visit secretsunrise.com for more information.
