Humans are very well connected and adapted to the planet for their survival needs. A healthy environment is essential to optimal health and well-being. But changes in the environment like climate change, floods, heatwaves, increased carbon footprints, and land degradation can adversely affect the health and lifestyle of human beings. This effect can be direct or sometimes indirect. If a situation like a natural calamity occurs, the effect will be direct, affecting the quality of resources and the environment but in the majority of cases, like global warming, land degradation, pollution in soil or water bodies, etc the effect is indirect.

We humans are contributing a lot to this environmental degradation in some or the other way which leads to extreme weather events, water scarcity, and land degradation, affecting the health of people across the globe. The overall degradation is also increasing the chances of getting respiratory diseases like asthma, heart diseases, and some types of cancer. Though the polluted environment can harm anyone, elderlies, kids, and pregnant women are at higher risk.

This progression of degradation can be slowed down if collective efforts will be taken on a larger scale, but since we know that charity starts at home, let’s read the steps that we as an individual can adapt/perform to keep our body and environment healthy.

1. Choose Not to Smoke

Tobacco present in cigarettes not just negatively impacts the health of individuals, it also endangers the health of the environment. When cigarette waste i.e.cigarette butts aren’t disposed of properly, it makes its way into the environment where it ends up polluting water, air, and land with toxic chemicals, heavy metals, and residual nicotine. So, make sure you choose not to smoke and take good care of your health and planet.

2. Choose Walking

Walking has several benefits for your health as well as the planet like it decreases the carbon footprint, and boosts your physical and mental health. So, make sure you choose to walk to nearby places rather than riding motor vehicles

3. Choose Green Surroundings

If you want to spend some quality time, choosing green surroundings would be a good alternative to fancy places. Several studies have suggested that greenery has some positive impact on the human mind which helps a person to heal from within. So, make sure you choose green surroundings and take good care of your health.

4. Choose Greens

Choose organic greens (vegetables and fruits) as they are known to be free of artificial chemicals and growth enhancers. Also, high consumption of organic greens will increase its production as well leading to more and more farmers switching to organic farming.

Organic farming has multiple benefits for the planet as it incurs lower carbon emissions and reduces the risk of pollution in soil and waterways. It also enhances the soil’s capacity to capture and store more carbon.

5. Choose Outdoor Exercise

Being active has several benefits like it keeps our body healthy. It also contributes to healthier blood pressure and cortisol levels. Studies have suggested that exercising in nature eases our nervous system, helps regulate blood pressure, and releases stress.
Just like taking care of yourself while you are sick is important, it becomes a necessity to take care of our planet as well. This World Health Day, make sure you choose a healthy lifestyle to keep yourself and your planet healthy.

We at Gujarat Superspeciality Hospital are dedicated to provide our patients with the best of services and quality care. If you or someone you know is experiencing any health issues, our consultants are available round-the-clock at Gujarat Superspeciality Hospital from Monday to Sunday between 09 AM to 07 PM.