Most common health problems

Throughout our lives, with more or less good fortune, we have to deal with certain health problems. Some will be unavoidable, and others will depend on our physical and mental fitness. There is always time to take care of ourselves, which is why in this article we will talk about the most common health problems and what to do to make sure they find us in the best possible conditions.

Physical health

Physical health is probably the one we are most concerned about and the one we talk about most with family and friends. As we age, we become more and more aware of the health issues we may have, even more so after the pandemic we are living through. Let's take a look at the most common ones.

1. Flu and colds

What can we say about this topic after years of talking about its similarities and differences to covid? Usually, we all get a couple of colds a year, and less often we get a week in bed because of the flu. It is not uncommon to start seeing advertising for anti-flu drugs when autumn arrives, and something tells us that we have to start preparing for winter.

The truth is that when it comes to this type of virus, the only thing left to do is to be as well prepared as possible. And although it may not seem like much, a good diet is essential. Basing our diet on fruit and vegetables, and exposing ourselves to 20 minutes of sunlight every day helps us to get the vitamins we need to stay strong and healthy. And for those of you who suffer from sore throats like me (this, I admit, makes me cranky), you can't miss a little ginger at home. It can be consumed in herbal teas, cookies, salads, etc.

2. Cardiovascular problems

Unfortunately, this problem is increasing both in Europe and in Spain. From the age of 40 onwards, both men and women are likelier to suffer a heart attack or to have coronary problems. But it is up to us to lead a healthy lifestyle that allows us to take care of our heart and keep it healthy for longer.

What can we do? The answer is easy if we apply common sense. Nevertheless, putting our own advice into practice is not so easy. The heart is a muscle, and as such, it requires moderate physical exercise every day. You can walk, run, or do some form of aerobic exercise depending on your capabilities. Other simple actions such as not smoking, not drinking alcohol, and getting enough rest to avoid stress can help you stay healthy.

3. Obesity

This is probably one of the commonest and at the same time one of the most silent health problems. Experiencing regular weight changes is not something that catches our attention, as over the past decades we have become accustomed to the dieting and binge eating that accompanies every festive period.

The problem lies in distinguishing between having a few extra kilos, being overweight or suffering obesity. These are different situations to which we must pay attention to maintain a good state of health, not only in adult life, but also during childhood.

In Spain, according to a study by the Spanish Society of Cardiology carried out in 2021, approximately half of the population is overweight or obese. A striking fact, if we consider that Spain is one of the flagship countries of the Mediterranean diet, attracting thousands of people every year for its renowned quality of life.

So, what's going on? The increasingly sedentary lifestyle (many of us work long hours in front of the computer, something that has been exacerbated as remote working has spread with the advent of the pandemic) coupled with our famous lack of time for cooking and the abundance of ultra-processed foods result in excess weight on a population scale.

What can we do? On one hand, preventing overweight is a mission that starts at the supermarket. We must control the foods we buy, choosing those that are healthier and those whose list of ingredients is as short as possible. On the other hand, we should stop thinking that exercise is synonymous with going to the gym, as this stops many people from starting to move. A daily walk of at least 30 minutes can be a good start.

Mental health

In recent years, mental health has appeared more frequently in the media and in our daily conversations. What was once considered taboo is now taking centre stage on social media and in publications related to health and wellbeing. This makes sense, considering that anxiety and depression are among the most common health problems of the 21st century.

1. Anxiety

Job, family, bills, social commitments, personal development, household chores... a lot of obligations and limited time. Our current pace of life has led to an increase in cases of anxiety, which not only manifest themselves in adults, but also in teenagers and children.

Among the most common symptoms associated with this disorder are: tachycardia, chest tightness, excessive sweating, hyperventilation or muscle tension. These symptoms can also be associated with other health problems, so in any case consulting your doctor is always the best option.

2. Depression

In Spain, more than 5% of the adult population suffers from depression, according to the European Health Survey 2021. After the pandemic, cases have increased, demonstrating once again that mental health can be affected by our environment and the circumstances surrounding us.

The most important thing to know is that depression is not a period of short-term sadness or homesickness, but an illness that needs to be treated, either with medication or through psychological therapy. When in doubt, it is always good to talk to your family, friends and, of course, your doctor. Sharing what is happening to us is essential so that others can help us and, who knows, maybe we can also help others through our own experience.

As you can see, experiencing certain health problems are more usual than it is thought, but fortunately sometimes they can be prevented if we pay attention to our body and mind. We just have to be aware and pay more attention to the signals our body sends us. Count on one of the best insurances in Spain offers you the possibility of having an annual checkup which also helps to identify the changes our body makes over the time. See you next month!