World Health Day - 7th April

“Time and health are two precious assets that we don’t recognize and appreciate until they have been depleted.” – Denis Waitley 

Healthy citizens are the greatest asset any country can have. A fit, healthy body — is the best fashion statement. Many people don’t appreciate their health until they aren’t well. By then, the poor eating, missed sleep, and lack of exercise catches up and then you can’t do much of anything until you recover. Good health is not something we can buy. However, it can be an extremely valuable savings account. 

April 7 is celebrated and observed as World Health Day. The day is celebrated annually in accordance with the World Health Organization’s aim to discuss health-related issues and to draw attention to specific health issues concerning people across the world. The first World Health Day was celebrated and observed in 1950, after 7 April was set aside as a designated date to celebrate the creation of the World Health Organization in 1948 in the First Health Assembly. The day thereby marks the anniversary of WHO after it was established in 1948.

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a dramatic loss of human life worldwide and presents an unprecedented challenge to public health, food systems and the world of work. The economic and social disruption caused by the pandemic is devastating. 

Mental and physical health are probably the two most frequently discussed types of health. Good physical health can work in tandem with mental health to improve a person’s overall quality of life. If you have good health, you have everything. 

The one who has health has hope, and he who has hope has everything. It is health that is real wealth and not pieces of gold and silver.

Stress is a normal psychological and physical reaction to the demands of life. Everyone reacts differently to difficult situations, and it's normal to feel stress and worry during a crisis. Despite your best efforts, you may find yourself feeling helpless, sad, angry, irritable, hopeless, anxious or afraid. You may have trouble concentrating on typical tasks, changes in appetite, body aches and pains, or difficulty sleeping or you may struggle to face routine chores. 

Regular physical activity and exercise can help reduce anxiety and improve mood. Choose a well-balanced diet. Avoid loading up on junk food and refined sugar. Turn off electronic devices for some time each day, including 30 to 60 minutes before bedtime. Set aside time for yourself. Even a few minutes of quiet time can be refreshing and help to settle your mind and reduce anxiety. Practice meditation and deep breathing techniques. Also set aside time for activities you enjoy. This predictability can make you feel more in control. Give yourself credit for every step in the right direction, no matter how small. And recognize that some days will be better than others. Find purpose in helping the people around you. Helping others is an excellent way to help ourselves. 

We must rethink the future of our environment and tackle climate change and environmental degradation with ambition and urgency. Only then can we protect the health, livelihoods, food security and nutrition of all people, and ensure that our ‘new normal’ is a better one.

 “To ensure good health: eat lightly, breathe deeply, live moderately, cultivate cheerfulness, and maintain an interest in life.” – William Londen

Happy World Health day!