World Health Day: our care is a task for all

Published: 6 April, 2020 - Updated: 1 February, 2021 | 3'

For 70 years now, April 7th is a synonym for health. It was established by the First World Health Assembly in 1948, and this is how it is known today. 

Why is World Health Day celebrated and since when?.

The reason for its choice was the need to set a date in the calendar to celebrate 'World Health Day', which would commemorate the Foundation of the World Health Organization (WHO). 

Its aim is to emphasize the need to give importance to something as basic and essential as the maintenance of an optimal Public Health.

April 7, 1950 was the starting signal and, since then, it was considered a real holiday, where professionals of the industry could share and learn together. 

How World Health Day is celebrated.

Year by year since its foundation, the celebrations of this day are focused on making everyone aware of the need to keep and to develop health habits, which allow us to be healthy, and also to be aware of the diseases and its impact all over the world. 

World Health Day is, therefore, a day where everything focuses on the health of people and healthcare. This day urges governments, organizations and businesses to invest in the health care of all. 

Worldwide, many awareness activities are carried out during this day, such as talks, workshops and, in general, information dissemination campaigns promoted by the World Health Organization. In recent years, the WHO has emphasized health promotion in schools, hospitals, health centers and institutions to inform the population about issues related to public health and healthy habits for everyday life.

World Health Day 2020.

This year, more than ever, we must pay special attention not only to be aware and responsible for our own health, but also to take care of the health of all those around us. 

In situations of current health alert due to the health pandemic, a simple thing like protection helps to save many lives. And not only in terms of hygiene and safety protocols, but also by following the measures implemented by the health authorities, to effectively combat the pandemic, such as staying home to avoid contagion.

It is important to follow healthy habits in our daily routine, despite external factors, which can help improve our quality of life.

Healthy habits for a better quality of life.

Including in our daily routine some healthy habits, related not only to food, but also to the achievement of other habits beneficial to health, may help us to improve our quality of life.

• Extreme daily hygiene. Apart from paying attention to our immune system, which is responsible for protecting us from harmful foreign agents such as viruses and bacteria, it is necessary to focus on proper hygiene habits, such as washing your hands and teeth very well.
• Keep a healthy and balanced diet. The contribution of nutrients, vitamins and minerals necessary for the proper functioning of the body is essential for the development of an optimal quality of life. Reducing the consumption of saturated fats, ultraprocessed foods, excess sugar and industrial bakery products, among others, contributes to reduce the incidence of severe diseases for our health, such as cardiovascular diseases. Also, under certain extraordinary situations, we may complement our daily diet with the intake of nutritional supplements, in order to provide the body with an extra supply of vitamins and minerals.
• Sleep the hours necessary. Resting at least 8 hours a day is important to provide the body with vitality and energy. In addition, it is recommendable to sleep in a place without noise and well ventilated, so that the sleep can be carried out without any type of alteration. Likewise, having a light dinner and at least two hours before going to bed also helps to fall asleep better.
• Get well hydrated. Keeping ourselves hydrated is essential, beginning by being constant in our habits of drinking water often. It is recommended to drink about 2 liters of water a day. As the human body is composed of more than 70% water, the lack of hydration could cause health disorders. 
• Train your mind and body. According to the World Health Organization, the best way to keep our body fit and full of energy is to do at least 150 minutes of physical activity a week in adults. This is a habit that helps to avoid sedentary life and also helps to reduce stress. Also, keeping our mind alive and exercised, for example through reading, memory games and concentration exercises, we will achieve a better cognitive state. 
• Enjoy your leisure and free time. Spending time doing what we like the most may be of great benefit to our health for several reasons: it helps reduce stress levels, improve our social relationships and also maintain the proper functioning of our immune systems.

Sometimes situations, such as health alerts, can reduce this point, however, you can turn your home into the best playground and even gym with physical exercise routines, dances or zumba videos, listen to the music you like the most, record your sessions and share them on social networks encouraging others. You may also make mixes of your favorite songs, take up a musical instrument or do crafts to make the most of your free time at home.