When it comes to "health preservation," most people think it's something for the elderly, something they only need to consider after retirement. However, in reality, more and more middle-aged people are now suffering from various illnesses and their bodies are becoming increasingly vulnerable.
Clinically, it's not uncommon to observe a trend of younger onset for diseases such as coronary heart disease, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and diabetes. Statistics also show that in recent years, many middle-aged men around 40 years old have lost their lives to diseases like myocardial infarction and stroke. Nowadays, middle-aged and young men generally have many social engagements, leading to excessive food and alcohol consumption, resulting in excessive fat intake. Combined with insufficient exercise, irregular lifestyles, and smoking, these factors contribute to the rise of diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, fatty liver, and gout. In a sense, it could even be said that many middle-aged men's illnesses are related to their inability to control their diet and lack of physical activity.
Breast hyperplasia, uterine fibroids, thyroid disease, insomnia, tension headaches, and depression are also troubling an increasing number of women. Close observation reveals that many of these conditions are related to emotional factors. Modern women have three main characteristics: first, high emotional needs that are difficult to satisfy in life and work; second, significant mood swings, prone to irritability and bottling up anger; and third, a tendency to think negatively and dwell on problems. Prolonged emotional distress, anger, and anxiety can lead to liver qi stagnation, negatively impacting overall health.
Therefore, health preservation should begin in middle age and youth, focusing on key areas and preventing problems before they arise. For men, it's best to cultivate a love of exercise from a young age and avoid the pitfalls of smoking and drinking; decline unnecessary social engagements at meals and instead build a network through activities like exercising with friends or hiking in the countryside. Women, on the other hand, should learn to de-stress and not be completely overwhelmed by the trivialities of life and work. Set aside time each week for shopping or heart-to-heart talks with close friends to avoid accumulating negative emotions. Be tolerant and understanding of others, and find contentment in what you have.
Regardless of age or gender, healthy lifestyle habits are essential.
First, eat three meals a day at regular times and avoid frequent changes. At the same time, adjust your daily routine according to the traditional Chinese medicine concept of "following the four seasons." You can try living a "retirement-style" life, such as taking walks in the morning and evening, and watching TV after dinner. This allows you to temporarily detach from work and career and truly relax your mind.
Secondly, maintain a healthy diet. The best way to eat a balanced diet is to eat at home, ensuring a good mix of meat and vegetables and moderate portion sizes. After middle age, it's also important to consciously eat more vegetables, fruits, and high-protein foods to delay the onset of diseases common in middle-aged and elderly people.
Secondly, integrate exercise into your life. In my opinion, the best forms of exercise are walking and climbing stairs. You can combine these with work or daily life, such as taking a shorter bus ride to work or climbing a few flights of stairs home.
Finally, maintain an optimistic attitude. Concentrate on your work during the day and learn to rest and relax after get off work. When encountering problems, try to see things from different perspectives, focus on the positive aspects, be thoughtful, and be willing to communicate. Only in this way can you maintain a cheerful mood.
