Regular Health MistakesAll of us make little health mistakes that cause

damage to our bodies in the long run - simply because we are unaware we are


doing something wrong. Here are some of the most common mistakes made by


many of us.





*Crossing our legs*


Do you cross your legs at your knees when sitting? Although we may believe


that this is the lady-like elegant way to sit, sitting this way cuts down


circulation to your legs. If you don”t want varicose veins to mar the beauty


of your legs and compromise your health, uncross your legs every time you


realise you have one knee on top of the other. The best way to sit is to


simply place both legs together on the floor, balancing your weight


equally.


If you feel like changing position, instead of crossing your legs, simply


move both legs together to one side. As an alternative, you could also


consider crossing your legs loosely at the ankles. This is a classically


elegant way to sit, and is far better for your legs and your health than


sitting with your legs crossed at your knees.





*Not changing our toothbrush


*How often do you change your toothbrush? Most of us wait until most of the


bristles have either fallen off, or are in such bad shape that we”d be


embarrassed to pull out our brush in public. However, since not many of us


need to pull out our brush in public, we carry on with our frayed one until


we lose it. Replace your toothbrush often. Damaged bristles can harm the


enamel, and don”t massage your gums well. If you find brushing your teeth a


pain like I do, but know you must do it, you might as well be doing it


right. Imagine going through the annoyance of brushing your teeth twice a


day only to find out that you”re damaging your enamel every time you clean


your teeth. Also, use a brush with soft bristles unless your dentist has


advised otherwise.





*Eating out often*


There are oils that are high in cholesterol, and oils that cause little


harm and are better for your heart. However, no matter how light the oil is,


it  is never a good idea to eat too much of it. Avoid fried foods.Remember


that  in all probability your favourite Indian food restaurant throws a


huge, HUGE chunk of butter in a tiny bowl of dal. Rita, who worked in the


kitchen of a


5 star hotel, was shocked when she saw the cook chop a 500gm butter slab in


half, and throw half into a Paneer Makhani dish. No wonder the customers


left licking their fingers. And no wonder they felt so stuffed and heavy


afterwards. Limit outdoor eating unless you know that you”re getting served


light and healthy food.





 *Skipping breakfast*


Never, ever skip breakfast. Remember, when you wake up in the morning it”s


been around 10-12 hours since your last meal. Your body needs food now,


more than at any other time. Eat a heavy breakfast. You will then be busy


through the day, and the calories will get expended quickly. If you are


trying to  diet, eat a light dinner. Here are some more common health


mistakes we  make.


Being informed and making a few changes can help make us feel a whole lot


better.








*High heels


*High heels sure look great, but they’re murder for your back. This however


doesn’t mean you should steer clear of stilettos. Wear them, but not when


you know you will be walking around a lot. Wear them when going out for


lunch or dinner - when the only walking you will be doing is to your car,


to  the table, and back. Avoid high heels when you are going somewhere on


foot.


If you are constantly tempted to wear your heels, take a good look at your


flats. Is there something about them you dislike? Invest in a new pair of


beautiful flats or shoes with a low heel. Buy something you love, that you


will enjoy wearing. If possible, get a matching bag. You will then enjoy


your flats as much as you do your heels.





*Sleeping on a soft bed*


You don’t have to sleep on the floor be kind to your back, but do make sure


you have a firm mattress. Although a mattress on springs is soft and lovely


to sink into, it’s bad for your back. If you already have an old bed with


springs, you don’t need to invest in a new one - simply get a thick wooden


plank put over the springs, and place the mattress on the plank. Similarly,


if your mattress is old and lumpy, throw it out and get a new one. Your


neck  and your back will thank you. The same rule applies to sofas. If you


will  be  spending hours on a sofa, get a firm yet comfortable one. Sofas


you completely sink into are not the best idea.


*Pillows*


No matter how comfortable sleeping with ten cushions is, have pity on your


neck and resist. Sleep with one pillow, and make sure it is not too thick.


If your pillow gets lumpy, discard it and go for a new one. Get a thin


pillow if you sleep on your stomach, and something a little thicker if you


sleep on your back, to give your neck adequate support








*Not exercising*


So all of us know we should exercise more, but many of us don’t. This is a


health mistake we consciously make! And why is that? Simply because we


refuse to admit the damage we are causing to our bodies by not working out.


A number of people only start working out once they’ve experienced a warning


signal. Don’t wait for a heart attack to strike before you decide to opt


for  a lifestyle change. Make the change now. You don’t need to train for


the  marathon to be in top shape. Half an hour of brisk walking three to


four  times a week will make a world of difference to your health. You could


then  increase this to forty minutes, four times a week - and you’re all


set. If you haven’t exercised for a week, you’re making a mistake.