When people reach middle age, they are in the prime of their lives. During this stage, they are busy with work and taking care of their elderly parents and young children. They carry the burden of both responsibilities and can feel physically and mentally exhausted. When the body is fatigued, its ability to defend against diseases weakens. Therefore, middle-aged people should pay attention to "four defenses" for their health.
Defense against irregular lifestyles
Being busy with work and household chores requires a well-organized schedule. Prioritizing tasks, using time efficiently, and improving work efficiency are scientific and practical methods. Relying on overtime to the point of physical exhaustion not only hinders productivity but also seriously harms one's health. This can lead to lifestyle diseases such as hypertension, heart disease, and diabetes. "Diseases come like mountains collapsing and go like unraveling threads." Once a disease is contracted, the situation becomes even more difficult. It is better to find time amidst the busyness to carefully consider and arrange one's life and work. A regular and efficient lifestyle not only exercises the mind and adaptability but also protects the body, preventing problems before they arise.
Defense against excessive eating and drinking
According to ultrasound examinations, people who frequently indulge in heavy drinking are more likely to develop fatty liver. If the disease is not treated promptly by quitting alcohol, the optimal treatment period will be missed, and a small illness with a good prognosis may turn into incurable cirrhosis. In addition, middle-aged people should pay attention to dietary health. On the one hand, they should avoid excessive eating and drinking. On the other hand, they should develop a scientific nutritional diet. Consuming high-fiber foods such as spinach and fruits and eating an appropriate amount of animal protein are recommended. Foods that are fried, pickled, smoked, as well as animal offal, canned food, sausages, etc., are considered dangerous by nutritionists as they can cause cancer and vascular sclerosis. It is advisable to consume them sparingly and quit the habit of indulging in certain risky foods early on to avoid potential health risks in old age.
Defense against anxiety
Middle-aged people not only face double pressures from work and life but also navigate complex interpersonal relationships. It is impossible for anyone to handle every aspect perfectly. However, when expectations are too high and reality contradicts them, stress is generated, leading to anxiety. Moderate anxiety can motivate people and be a benign stimulus. However, long-term anxiety can become a psychological barrier or even a mental illness. Given the current weakness in the field of mental health, it is important to learn some self-relief methods to alleviate and eliminate anxiety. Methods of self-relief include venting, distraction, and talking. However, the most fundamental way is to improve cultural literacy and enhance self-cultivation. Learning self-relief is actually a way to cultivate the mind and elevate one's life.
Defense against neglecting medical care when ill
Being busy with work can easily lead to neglecting one's health. Even when feeling unwell, people may hesitate to spend time seeing a doctor. By turning a blind eye to the problem, even if there is no illness, small problems can turn into big ones. Middle age is a period when diseases are more likely to occur. Hepatitis, myocarditis, and even cancer can be cured if diagnosed and treated early, along with proper rest and diet. In recent years, the occurrence of premature deaths among young individuals is distressing. The tragic reason is missing the optimal treatment period when the disease first appears.
For some diseases, waiting until feeling uncomfortable to get checked means it is already in the late stage. Therefore, regular check-ups for middle-aged individuals are crucial. Some organizations conduct comprehensive annual physical examinations, including liver and kidney function tests, blood and urine tests, abdominal ultrasounds, electrocardiograms, etc., to ensure the health of their talents. This is indeed a wise decision.
