This article appears for archival purposes. Any events, programs and/or initiatives mentioned may no longer be applicable.
Wellness Wednesday: Essential Elements to Keep You Going
Your body is like a car: it needs to be maintained and tended to with care to keep running. Just as a car will become inoperable if you ignore its fluids, tires, and engine issues for too long, your body has several essential elements that require attention to keep it functioning properly.
In addition to caloric intake, sleep, and movement, there are several areas that can easily be neglected without self-care and maintenance:
Vitamins and Minerals
The human body needs a wide variety of vitamins and minerals to stay in tip-top shape. These minerals and elements include:
- Calcium
- Choline
- Chromium
- Copper
- Fiber
- Fluoride
- Folic acid
- Iodine
- Iron
- Magnesium
- Manganese
- Molybdenum
- Phosphorus
- Potassium
- Selenium
- Sodium
- Vitamin A
- B1 (thiamin)
- B2 (riboflavin)
- B3 (niacin)
- B5 (pantothenic acid)
- Vitamin B6
- B7 (biotin)
- B12
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin D
- Vitamin E
- Vitamin K
- Zinc
Vitamin and mineral deficiencies can lead to a host of physical ailments, some of which can lead to chronic and/or life-threatening conditions. Pay attention to potential symptoms and see a doctor to find out what you’re missing in your diet. Sometimes something as simple as eating a banana can make all the difference.
Sunlight and Hydration
We’ve mentioned before the importance of staying hydrated, but did you know that getting some time in the sun is essential for your well-being? Much like drinking plenty of water, getting some daily exposure to sunlight increases serotonin levels in the brain and also produces Vitamin D. Vitamin D is produced when direct sunlight contacts our skin outdoors. Vitamin D is essential for helping with calcium absorption, immune function, and protecting bone, muscle, and heart health. If you find yourself staying indoors a lot, consider taking Vitamin D supplements to make sure you don’t become deficient.
Regular Check-Ups
One other thing your body has in common with a vehicle: sometimes it needs to be taken in to see a professional. A key factor in staying healthy is preventive medicine. Seeing your doctor and dentist on a regular basis for screenings and teeth cleanings could provide early warnings on any potential issues.
Want more wellness tips? Check out these stories: