Every day is the first day of the rest of your life. This weekend, start out on a journey that makes the world a better place for you

World Health Day falls on Sunday, April 7, this year. Every year, the World Health Organisation decides a theme for that year. For 2019, the theme is universal health coverage, which means everyone who needs medical care should be able to get it.

That’s something the Indian government has certainly been worrying about, for which the Ayushman Bharat scheme has been rolled out. But how can you, as an individual, mark World Health Day? Here are four suggestions.

Follow a healthy whole food diet

1. You can consult a nutritionist to make sure that you are eating right. Eliminate foods from your diet that are likely to cause you harm. This doesn’t just mean samosas or sweets, it means processed foods and those with preservatives. In a chat with Dr Ishi Khosla, founder president of the Celiac Society of India, I asked how she convinces north Indians to give up wheat and fruits with high glycemic index, she replied, “When someone is suffering and is told that you can heal yourself without wheat, they are willing to switch to alternate flours. When they feel more energy after stopping wheat, they easily understand the need to eliminate it.”

Exercise, Yoga & meditation

The importance of making exercise a part of your daily life is now well known, so is yoga and meditation. WHO recommends walking at least 8,000 steps per day, so go out and buy that pedometer, or just use your iPhone or Android mobile.  There are many different forms: Ashtanga , Hatha yoga, kundalini, power yoga, hot yoga, Bikram yoga, even suspended yoga! Some forms are more physically demanding, some more relaxing and meditative — depends on what you want from it!

It helps with strengthening the immune system, balances the system, purifies the mind, clears blockages , improves physical strength, flexibility and stamina  I feel it really helped with energy levels…All that oxygen inhaled and toxins exhaled! So take a vow to make yoga a part of your life this World Health Day.

Go for Oil Pulling

I suggest Oil Pulling, a traditional and powerful form of natural remedy for improving health by swishing Virgin Coconut Oil in the mouth to remove toxic waste and stop the growth of streptococcus bacteria. Never swallow it, always spit it out. The advantages are many:

• Improves oral health, whitens teeth, and reduces plaque, halitosis, tooth pain and diseases of the mouth such as bleeding gums and gingivitis.
• Helps and addresses illnesses and chronic conditions where medical science has yet to find a cure.
• Works on the root cause of sicknesses, helping the body in its healing process. •
  For some, it helps fight chronic sleeplessness and chronic fatigue
  syndrome

Dry brushing

It is widely acknowledged that a massage helps you get rid of stress, pain and muscle tension. You can get a massage done in your home by a traditional masseur or go to a spa for one. The latest fad is dry brushing – a daily body massage with a dry, stiff-bristled brush made of natural bristles. The word ‘dry’ is important because if you did the same while sitting in a hot tub, the body would lose moisture.

Oil massages

A good massages increases blood circulation and promotes lymph flow/drainage. It unclogs pores and stimulates the nervous system, thus achieving what traditional massages also do: make you feel invigorated. It also help the body detoxify naturally.

Improve your sleep

Go to bed and wake up at consistent times. Say no to electronics and other distractions in the room. Avoid tea, coffee and alcohol just before bedtime — this really helps.

And finally, always stay hydrated. Aim to drink at least eight glasses of water a day.

Dr Reshma  is an advocate of wellness, prevention and holistic health. Instagram handle: dr.reshmakhattarbhagat