A general consultation service ensures the presence of medical specialists in some of the major areas of bio-psycho-social impact. Find out about them HERE. These specialists are complemented by agreements with medical centers and facilities affiliated with our University.
1. Maintain a healthy lifestyle and a balanced diet
Diseases related to poor eating habits are responsible for 60% of all deaths globally. Maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle is just as crucial as making good food choices. Diet also has an impact on the environment. For example, an omnivorous diet produces an average of 9.22 tons of CO2 per year, while the vegetarian diet produces an annual water footprint of about 876 cu m, compared to 1123.7 cu m for a high-meat consumption diet.
2. Incorporate more physical activity into your daily routine: walk during your lunch break or use a bike
Maintaining an active life is important. Those who do not regularly engage in physical activity have a 50% higher risk of developing cardiovascular disorders, which are the leading cause of death worldwide.
Just 30 to 60 minutes of daily physical activity, such as walking, can effectively prevent these diseases.
3. Try to quit smoking
While smoking a cigarette, tobacco combustion releases as many as 7,000 chemicals, at least 300 of which are harmful. Even e-cigarettes are no exception; their use leads to harmful effects on the cardiovascular system and moderate risks of respiratory tract carcinogenicity. Quitting smoking helps maintain everyone’s health by reducing the risks of developing smoking-related diseases and safeguarding the environment.
Each year, the tobacco industry and cigarette consumption contribute to deforestation equivalent to the land area of Cape Verde, the filling of 15 million Olympic swimming pools, the accumulation of waste weighing as much as 9433 freight trains, and the emission of CO2 equivalent to that of 3 million transatlantic flights.
4. Do not underestimate the effects of alcohol consumption
Alcohol is not a nutrient, and its consumption is not beneficial to the body or its functions. Instead, it causes damages to the cells of many organs, especially the liver and central nervous system, including brain cells. However, studies confirm that red wine, when consumed in recommended amounts by individuals in normal health, can have beneficial effects, reducing the risk of heart attack and stroke.
5. Reduce saturated fat consumption
Leading national and international health bodies recommend limiting saturated fat intake to no more than 10% of total calories. Saturated fats are found in foods like butter, meat, cheese, and most pre-packaged products. Try to replace these foods with nutritious options that contain unsaturated fats, such as avocados, fish, soy, and grains.
6. Drink plenty of water
It is a good habit to carry a water bottle and remember to drink regularly throughout the day. On average, adults need between 2.2 and 3 liters of water daily.