7 defense tactics against health setbacks

In the game of basketball, a good defense is the best offense against unexpected
setbacks. In life, as the world fights against the COVID-19 virus, we realize that good
health is something we should never take for granted. AXA, one of the country’s leading
insurance providers and the official insurance partner of the NBA in the Philippines,
shares seven simple but effective defense tactics to help you with your game plan on
staying physically and mentally strong, not just during the lockdown but also after the
quarantine is over.

Eat healthy. What you eat is closely linked to your health. Avoid getting sick by
maintaining a balanced diet composed of protein, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and
legumes. By making the right food choices, you are protecting yourself from possible
health conditions such as diabetes, heart attack, cancer, or stroke.

Exercise regularly. Even off the court, you can still follow an at-home workout routine.
Jump rope, do squats and lunges, push ups, and stretches. Exercising regularly boosts
your energy, maintains healthy weight, and defends you against diseases.
Take vitamin supplements. There are occasions when people don’t get the right
amount of nutrients from food alone. To fill the nutritional gap, drink the proper dietary
supplements tailored to your body’s needs, which includes omega-3, zinc, folic acid,
and more.

Check out health and life insurance options. Every now and then, people still get
seriously sick despite living a healthy lifestyle. One of the best ways to prepare for this
is to get health and life insurance. Take advantage of the lockdown time to research on
various health and life insurance products according to your needs. Consider AXA
Health Start, which provides coverage for the top three illnesses — cancer, heart attack,
and stroke — and their select early stage conditions at an affordable price.

Avoid vices. Smoking and excessive alcohol drinking are harmful habits that may
cause your health to quickly deteriorate, which may lead to death. Smoking can lead to
emphysema or pulmonary diseases while too much drinking can damage your liver. The
sooner you quit, the better.
Stay hydrated. Drinking more than eight glasses of water is essential to one’s health. It
can help control calorie intake, energize the muscles, keep skin hydrated and young,
and flush toxins out of the body.

Take a breather. Living healthy is more than just diet and exercise; one shouldn’t forget
about mental health, too. One of the best exercises to stay mentally fit is meditation or
even taking deep breaths. For beginners, sit or lie comfortably, close your eyes and
focus your attention on your breathing and how the body moves with every inhale and
exhale. If your mind wanders, work on bringing your focus back to your breathing.

Now more than ever, it is important to have a game plan to stay healthy. Be physically
and mentally fit by following these simple tips  from AXA Philippines. For more
information on AXA, visit www.axa.com.ph.