- Before reading this article, I sincerely invite you to click "Follow", which is not only convenient for you to discuss and share, but also brings you a different sense of participation, thank you for your support
"Athletes are not the enemies of all diseases, but also the partners of health." As these words sounded, Zhang Lin just pushed open the glass door of the community hospital and walked into a lecture room with simple layout.
The doctor's words seemed to hit the nail on the head, making him frown.
As an experienced geography teacher, Zhang Lin has always had a keen interest in exploring the unknown, and today's health lecture is no exception.
After the lecture, Zhang Lin returned with a full load, and his heart was full of newly learned health knowledge.
As he walked home, his mind kept replaying the health trivia and cases told by the doctor.
When he got home, he couldn't wait to share the day's harvest with his family.
"Did you know that the secret to health is not always as simple as we think, and today the doctor gave a lot of interesting ideas."
Zhang Lin began to tell his wife and two children who were already in college.
First of all, he mentions a rather unique point of view: longevity has a non-negligible relationship with maintaining a 'moderate load' of mental activity throughout the year.
This idea may seem unrelated to physical health, but in fact, a moderate load of mental work can promote blood circulation in the brain, help maintain cognitive function, and prevent brain diseases such as Alzheimer's.
"Do you remember Mrs. Zhang? The doctor made a point of mentioning her example.
She is a retired math professor with a passion for chess and plays chess for at least two hours a day.
Now at the age of 85, her mind is still sharp. ”
Zhang Lin explained excitedly, his face filled with the joy of discovering a new continent.
Zhang then turned to a seemingly more bizarre idea: that fighting against mild environmental stressors, such as cold and heat, can boost immunity by promoting the body's adaptation to extreme conditions.
He recounts in detail how doctors explain how this adaptation is able to enhance the body's self-repair and defense mechanisms by modulating the neuroendocrine system.
"And Uncle Wang, remember? He swims every day in the winter and does not turn on the air conditioning in the summer.
Doctors say that this kind of environmental adaptation training has made his immune system stronger, and he rarely gets sick. ”
Zhang Lin pointed out that these seemingly inconspicuous lifestyle habits have a huge long-term impact on health.
Finally, Zhang Lin mentioned a study that supported an unexpected idea with a large body of data: regular social activities can significantly reduce the risk of heart disease and high blood pressure.
This is very different from the common belief that exercise directly affects heart health.
"According to the study, older adults who gather regularly with friends and family have a 35 percent lower incidence of cardiovascular disease than those who are lonely for many years."
Zhang Lin gave an example of trying to show his family the power of socializing.
As a result, the dinner at their house became extraordinarily lively, and everyone was interested in these fresh ideas brought by Zhang Lin, and there were many arguments and discussions.
"So, why do you think it's so difficult for people to change their habits even with so much scientific guidance in life?"
Zhang Lin concludes by asking such a question, which sparks an in-depth discussion about habits, circumstances, and personal choices.
This question goes to the heart of human behaviour and psychology – even when scientific data suggests that certain behaviors are good for health;
People's willingness to adopt these behaviors is often influenced by personal habits and cultural environment.
Research shows that it takes time and willpower to change habits, both of which are scarce resources in today's fast-paced society.
In addition, the socio-cultural environment and the individual's educational background can also profoundly influence a person's behavioral choices.
In other words, individual efforts are often not enough to achieve behavioural change.
Support and guidance at the societal level is needed, for example through the development of public policies, the promotion of community health programmes, and the strengthening of education on the importance of healthy lifestyles in the education system.
Only then will it be easier for people to adopt and maintain healthy behavioral habits in their daily lives.
What do you have to say about this? Feel free to leave your thoughts in the comment section!