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By Patrick Gerenge
I was reading a survey report on “male veterans versus non-veterans health” in US the other day and the revelations were health wise astounding. Veterans are the former war soldiers who have served in past wars, meaning that non-veterans are civilians. Here were the key findings:
• On a general health measure, veterans were more likely than non-veterans to report fair or poor health.
• Veterans were more likely than nonveterans to report experiencing two or more out of nine chronic conditions.
• Veterans reported serious psychological distress more often than non-veterans.
• Veterans reported work limitations more often than nonveterans.
On the general outset, we all know that the rigorous training that military personnel undergo is no walk in the park. What the above findings, therefore, indicate is that what these men undergo takes a huge toll on their physical and mental health.
On a lower scale, it would be comparable to people who exceed themselves to achieve lifetime goals. Working hard is a good thing since no good thing comes easy. But over-exerting oneself day after day, losing quality sleep and missing out on quality time with family and friends, may have negative implications on our health.
Here is your guide to pursuing those goals without compromising your future health:
• Exercise moderately—exercising three times for 30 to 60 minutes is advised for optimal fitness. This can however be adjusted to a higher frequency and duration according to people’s fitness goals.
• Sleep at least six to eight hours at most, if not all nights. Frequently sleeping for less than the recommended hours could compromise your health.
• Wear safety gear when engaging in a hazardous environment. Wearing helmets when riding bicycles, motorbikes and mountaineering as well as using condoms is a sure way of staying safe.
• Wearing appropriate gear for your physical engagements is advisable. Wearing street shoes for aerobics or wearing aerobics shoes for mountain climbing is for example not advisable.
• Don’t skip meals. Ensuring that you eat at least three square meals in a day is healthy. Don’t be in the habit of skipping meals even if you are trying to lose weight.
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