As a mom looking after your own health and the health of the family is vital. Unfortunately, now most people have access to the internet there are all sorts of health advice out there. They don’t always come from recognized professional medical sources either. That means you have to be really careful when following health advice from any other source than your professional care provider. Check out some examples of this below.
Don’t worry about what you eat it’s just calories that count!
While there are still a few hardcore calorie counters out there, most people don’t subscribe to this view anymore. Of course, the total amount of fuel (calories) that you consume will have an effect on your weight and health. But it is also the type of food that you eat that matters too.
For example, you can eat a sugary candy bar or a big plate of boiled green veg. They are both worth about 200 calories, so they are just the same right? Wrong!
The plates of veggies contain vitamins, nutrients fiber, and water. All these are essential for being healthy. The chocolate, on the other hand, contains sugar. This can cause a quick rush of energy into the bloodstream, followed by a crash that can make you feel unwell.
Don’t go to see a medical professional unless you are 100% sure you have a problem.
This is an interesting piece of advice because on the surface it seems to be helpful. Yes, our medical centers are often full of people that could have dealt with their condition with over the counter medicines, or by just getting some rest at home.
However, another side of this is, that for some problems you need go to health professionals for confirmation. For example, how do you know if you have glaucoma if you don’t go for your check-ups at the eye center? The same goes for that lump you found, and you are unsure about.
On balance then, being 100% sure you have a problem is not a prerequisite to going to see a medical professional. If in doubt, get it checked out!
Stress isn’t real it’s all mind over matter
A lot of people still believe today that they can fight stress by ignoring it or repressing it. They think that it is ‘all in the mind’ and so by controlling it with your mind you can make it go away.
Actually, stress is a condition where the brain perceives that the body could be in danger. So it floods the system with adrenaline and other hormones to facilitate a fight or flight response. So while it might originate in the brain, it definitely has some physical components to deal with. Just ask anyone that has ever experienced a panic attack!
Things that can help alleviate stress and anxiety include exercise, meditation and breathing techniques. Therapy can also help you frame the problems in a different way and cope with the physical stress reactions much better.
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