HeathWise Jan 2009
By Doctor Rik Heymans
Calle Angustias 24, NERJA
Telephone: 95 252 6775
Mobile : 619 50 21 51

Good Intentions for 2009

Most of us take stock of the past year, and have good intentions for the new one - to make some positive changes in order to avoid falling in the same pitfalls, to make a fresh start perhaps.

What people want to do, is do something to improve their quality of life! Like I said, most of us, if not all of us go through this process, where we make many plans and intend to avoid the same mistakes.

This is the fase of good intentions.

‘The road to hell is paved with good intentions'.

All too often the main areas where people feel they can make a change are in the business, financial or personal sphere, yet there are many more important areas where there usually is room for improvement.

One of these important areas is the health area (and here I do not just think of quitting smoking, or drinking less…).

For instance, when one is healthy, one takes this for

granted, and forgets that the body, just like any car, be it vintage or not, needs regular maintenance, check ups ,and ‘road worthy controls (or MOT)s'.

We are now well into the new year, anyone remember Christmas?, and here are some reminders to help those with a poor short-term memory.

Some ‘healthy' good intentions are:

1. Medication

For patients suffering with chronic diseases, like diabetes, hypertension, do you take your medication regularly?

2. Advice

Do you follow the dietary advice?

3. Prevention

Do you get regular check-ups?

Do you pay attention to other diseases which can be developing inside your body.

Otherwise put - consider screening for

Risk factors , like cholesterol, diabetes.

Cancer is one of these diseases to screen for; it is amazing the variety of screening tests for cancer which are nowadays available, apart from physical examination, X-rays, and CAT Scans for instance.

A good knowledge, when possible, of the medical family history is important, since many diseases run in families, certain types of cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes.

Are my immunisations up-to-date, for instance for tetanus, hepatitis?

What about your children's immunisations?

4. How is your lifestyle?

Are you leading a mostly sedentary life, or are you doing some sport, getting enough physical exercise?

Perhaps it is a good idea to walk to work, to the shop, instead of just taking the car all the time.

Or, to join a gym, golf or tennis club.

In direct relation to this, are you overweight?

If so, exercise will help; and be aware of other risk factors in obesity (cholesterol, sugar) and have them screened for.

Smoking is usually top of the list of vices to be given up, it is a huge part of the pavement of this road to Hell for a lot of people.

A lot of information exists to support those who want to stop; also, new drugs have come on the market recently which can be very effective to help kick this habit.

5. Alcohol abuse

Is something which also features prominently on many lists, and a lot of people do not realise that they consume more than what is good for them. As a guideline one can safely say that a woman should not consume more than 2 to 3 units of alcohol daily, and a man not more than 4 to5 units. Anything in excess will sooner or later damage your health.

6. Drugs

Although there is a strong drive to decriminalize drugs, and specifically the so-called soft drugs, there is ample medical evidence that none of these are safe; even the semi-legalised marihuana will damage one's health, let alone one's mind. If you find that you need these, that you cannot enjoy a party without them, seek professional help.

7. Sex

With the advent of HIV/AIDS there was hope that at least safe sex would become the norm. Yet, there are more and more still many venereal diseases around, which can so easily be prevented: by practicing safe sex, if not in a monogamous relationship. Perhaps here as well some good intention could be realised?

In a similar vein, safe anticonception can prevent unwanted pregnancies.

8. Stress

Many people put themselves, and/or their close surroundings, under unnecessary stress, by setting unattainable goals. By being a bit more realistic one will remove a lot of stress, pressure. Not only can it prevent the occurrence of illness, but will also contribute to a better enjoyment of one's life .

9. Eyes and Ears

Order spectacles, or a hearing aid if your eyes and/or hearing are diminishing!

10. Treats

Treat yourself on a regular basis to a massage, foot care, yoga or whatever form of relaxation which will recharge your batteries.

These items are for your consideration; and while some of them might not really be relevant, I trust that some of them might be useful to you.

Have a happy and healthy 2009!!!

© Dr Rik HEYMANS.
Rik Heymans is a general medical practitioner in Nerja. He writes monthly for Streetwise on topics which a family doctor comes across regularly.