Healthy Lifestyle Awareness Day

In today’s fast-paced world the demands on our time and energy seem to be never-ending. The impact on our wellness and mental health can be immense. This is why Medihelp marks Healthy Lifestyle Awareness Day every year on 17 February, as an opportunity to pause and reflect on the importance of taking care of our emotional wellbeing.

This year we’re putting the WE in Wellness by highlighting the significance of coming together as a community to support one another in leading healthier, happier lives. Allowing a loved one or colleague to struggle on their own should no longer be an option. This is especially significant at a time when South Africans are experiencing additional challenges like uncertain economic times, a rise in crime and the daily frustration of loadshedding. We need each other now more than ever.

The Impact of Stress on Our Health
Dealing with a medical aid during an uncertain time like this can put additional pressure on someone who is already struggling to cope with difficult circumstances. But for Lynn, being a member of Medihelp was a massive help.

Join a Healthy Community
Stress has become an unavoidable aspect of our lives, and it can significantly impact our mental and emotional wellbeing. In a recent study by IQbusiness, it was revealed that over 66% of office-based employees surveyed are experiencing extreme stress, anxiety, and depression. This trend is not limited to South Africa. According to a new poll from the American Psychological Association, 81% of employees would prefer to work for companies that provide support for mental health concerns. Stress can lead to physical health problems such as headaches, high blood pressure, and heart disease. Additionally, it can impact our health, leading to anxiety, depression, and insomnia. Therefore, it's crucial to make wellbeing a priority. Fortunately, there are several ways we can take care of our mental health and lead a healthy lifestyle. One of the best ways is to join a healthy community. Medihelp has a free online health and wellness platform called HealthPrint. It provides members with access to health information and support programmes, including a healthy weight programme and a maternity and baby programme. Members can also access their benefit information and join special offers and discounts from HealthPrint’s wellness partners, such as discounted gym fees.

In addition, it’s essential to prioritise self-care. This can include setting aside time for relaxation, mindfulness, exercise, and hobbies. Practicing gratitude and regularly connecting with loved ones can also boost our emotional wellbeing. On a really positive note, Medihelp has seen many more corporate clients implement employee wellness programmes, providing access to counselling services and even offering healthy food options.

Together, we can make a difference. We can do this by supporting those around us, while still ensuring we place a great focus on self-care. Let's join hands as a community and put the WE in wellness.