Let's begin by trying to determine what health means. 

In simple terms, health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease. Although we can maintain health and eradicate disease through science and practice of medicine, it can be improved by individual effort.

So what can we do to ensure we stay healthy? We can get certain screening tests, take preventive medicine (if needed), and most importantly, practice healthy behaviours.

What are these Healthy Behaviours?

Eat a healthy balanced diet: A healthy balanced diet means eating food from all the food groups in the right quantities. Make sure you eat all three balanced meals with two healthy snacks. Try to have at least 5 portions of vegetables and fruits a day. Include complex carbohydrates in the form of whole cereals, brown rice, bajra or jowar roti, whole wheat bread etc. Have protein rich foods like legumes, pulses, nuts, low fat dairy products, fish and lean meat. Avoid deep fried, fatty food and sugary foods. 

Be Physically Active: You have to be active in order to stay healthy.  Start exercising gradually and then increase the time spent on the activities. Try to exercise 30 minutes a day at least five days a week. Being physically active regularly reduces the risk of heart diseases, hypertension, diabetes and helps you to lose weight.  

Drink lots of water: Make sure you drink around 8 to 10 glasses of water in a day. Water helps you in losing weight by suppressing your appetite and limiting your food intake. It helps your body to excrete waste through perspiration, urination and defecation. It helps you to look fresh and be active.  

 Get enough sleep: Sleep plays an important role in good health and being active throughout the day. Make sure you get 6 to 8 hours of peaceful sleep daily. 

Manage your weight: Eat foods which contain the nutrients your body needs but lesser in calories. Balance the calories you consume by burning off the calories from your exercise.

Drink alcohol only in moderation: If you drink, drink in moderation. The recommended intake is one to two drinks per day for men and one drink per day for women (One drink is 12 fl oz beer, 4 fl oz wine, 1.5 fl oz of 80 proof spirits). It is advised for women to avoid drinking when they are trying to conceive or when they are pregnant.

Don't Smoke: Try to quit smoking by talking to your doctor/counsellor. Medicines or/and counselling can help you quit smoking. Get motivation and support from your family, friends and colleagues to quit smoking. 

These simple methods go a long way in not only ensuring good health, but also building our ability to recover from illness and helping us cope with stress.

So do remember to Stay Healthy!!