PRACTICAL TIPS FOR YOU
Health Education
Introduction
One of the benefits of our salvation package is health; not just divine healing but divine health. In 3 John verse 2, we are told “Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health even as thy soul prospereth…..”
What is health?
Health is defined as a state of being well or free from disease. It is a state of physical, mental and social well being. Being healthy means being well, strong and able to resist diseases. Health is a gift and a blessing and it is our responsibility to keep what God has given to us.
PERSONAL HYGIENE
Regular washing with soap remains a first principle. Soap emulsifies grease so that it can be washed off by water. Soap and water removes dirt, dead skin scales, and some of the bacteria, which normally live on the skin. The skin usually replaces the removed grease within hours.
Germs - such as bacteria and viruses - can be transmitted several different ways, especially by touching dirty hands or changing dirty diapers. Other ways germs spread include:

• Through contaminated water and food
• Through droplets released during a cough or a sneeze
• Through contaminated surfaces
• through a sick person's body fluids

If kids pick up germs from one of these sources, they can unknowingly become infected simply by touching their eyes, nose, or mouth. And once they're infected, it's usually just a matter of time before the whole family comes down with the same illness.
Good hand washing is your first line of defense against the spread of many illnesses - and not just the common cold. More serious illnesses such as meningitis, bronchiolitis, influenza, hepatitis A, and most types of infectious diarrhea can be stopped with the simple act of washing your hands.

1. Wash your hands in warm water. Make sure the water isn't too hot for little hands.
2. Use soap and lather up for about 10 to 15 seconds (antibacterial soap isn't necessary - any soap will do). Make sure you get in between the fingers and under the nails where uninvited germs like to hang out. And don't forget the wrists!
3. Rinse and dry well with a clean towel.

To minimize the germs passed around your family, make frequent hand washing a rule for everyone, especially:

• Before eating and cooking
• After using the bathroom
• After cleaning around the house
• After touching animals, including family pets
• After visiting or taking care of any sick friends or relatives
• After blowing one's nose, coughing, or sneezing
• After being outside (playing, gardening, walking the dog, etc.)

Don't underestimate the power of hand washing! The few seconds you spend at the sink with your child could save you trips to the doctor's office.
Other things to note include:

• Drink at least 1.5 – 2.5Litres of water a day (more in hot weather).
• Eat a diet rich in vitamin C, vitamin E, the B vitamins, and Zinc. All of these are needed for healthy skin. Examples include- grapes, oranges, lemon, apples, whole-wheat products, green leafy vegetables.
• Do not smoke, as this will prematurely age the skin.

Fresh air, regular exercise, a balanced diet and sufficient sleep all help people to look and feel their best. And the results of these will show in the skin.
Dental care:

• It is very important to brush the teeth daily with a good tooth brush.
• You should change your toothbrush every 3 months.
• You should avoid taken too many sweet things. And if you do take something sweet like ice cream, cakes, chocolates etc, brush your mouth afterwards or rinse out your mouth with water.
• Visit a dentist every 6 months for a general check up of your teeth and mouth.

Healthy Eating
Food is the fuel the body needs to keep it in good working order. It supplies the energy for all activities. Food also supplies the necessary materials for growth, repair of worn out tissues and the biochemical processes that take place inside our bodies. As very few foods contain all the nutrients necessary for good health, it is important to eat a variety of foods to ensure a balanced diet.
A balanced diet is one that contains the required nutrients of the body in the right proportion and amount. An average person should take in about 2000 calories daily to supply the needed amount of energy for the body to function normally.
However you choose to organize your eating, always keep the following points in mind:

• Eat at regular interval. Find time to eat three meals a day. This benefits the body and     avoids lengthy gaps between meals which may trigger snacking.
• Weigh ingredients and portions. Estimating inevitable leads to overestimating, and thus overeating.
• Make sure you eat at least 2 different fruits daily, one before your breakfast, another one after your dinner. 
• Endeavor to eat with cutleries; otherwise, wash your hands very well.
• Make sure that you rest on your dinning table for at least 10 minutes after a meal.
• Do not eat later than 9pm. It’s uncomfortable to go to bed with a full stomach and more importantly, your body cannot burn off the calories so efficiently.
• Ensure your cooking and eating utensils are clean. Keep your kitchen and environment neat.

The immune system
The human body has been naturally equipped with its own defense system to fight disease. However there are factors which weaken it or make it in- effective.
Steps to take to boost the body’s weakened immune system

• Speak the right words. Words are life and they enhance the immune system Proverbs 4vs 20
• Remove anything that contributes to the sickness e.g. any substance the individual may be allergic to e.g. smells of certain sprays, giving up smoking.
• Drink a lot of water [hydrotherapy] the human body consists of about 72% water. Doing this helps to flush out unwanted substances as well as rearrange body elements. 
• Eat a balanced diet, a diet of body building foods or in case of some, stick to the diet prescribed by your Doctor.
• Maintain a clean environment –this prevents the risk of infection or worsening the medical condition 
• Maintain a merry heart Proverbs 17vs 23,12vs 2

Maintaining a healthy spirit
Medical statistics state that the state of our spirits constitutes 80% of the state of our physical bodies. Diseases such as cancer have been traced to unforgiveness and bitterness. In order to cure and prevent diseases the following steps must be taken
Do not harbor unforgiveness or bitterness in your heart, forgive all who may offend you 70X7
Be grateful for all you are given or experience, be quick to recognize your blessings from God
Do not be anxious about cares of this life

Sincere Regards

Student.Affairs
Healing School

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