x
Products that promote health and wellness can get pretty expensive. In fact, the wellness market is estimated to be worth about $4.2 trillion This market has grown significantly in the past few years, and it's only projected to continue. One of the biggest groups of people fueling that growth? The millennial generation.
83 percent of millennials consider themselves to be in good or excellent health, but 1 in 3 have a health condition that affects their quality of life.
Source: Blue Cross Blue Shield Health of America report
While the millennial generation has generally been referred to as “wellness obsessed,” this obsession is not translating to good health for many. In fact, according to a recent Blue Cross® Blue Shield® Health of America Report®, millennials are seeing a major decline in their health once they hit age 27, making them unhealthier than Generation X.
This trend is led largely by a higher prevalence in cardiovascular and endocrine conditions (i.e., diabetes and hypertension), as well as behavioral health conditions (i.e., major depression and substance abuse). On top of it all, many millennials are impacted by debt and stagnant salaries, so the hefty price tag that often accompanies health and wellness products and activities can be detrimental.
But, health and wellness doesn’t have to be a luxury. And, there are some trends and practices that actually work. Here are five back-to-basics tips you can try today.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends American adults get at least 150 minutes of activity per week. Think of the types of activity you can fit into your everyday life. Take a midday walk around your neighborhood. Dance in the kitchen with your kids. Do some squats while you’re watching television. These types of activities are inexpensive and can make a big difference when you add up the time doing them.
Fruits and vegetables are credited with helping you maintain a healthy body weight, control your blood sugar, plus reduce your LDL ("bad") cholesterol and other benefits.
It’s possible to eat more fruits and vegetables without blowing your grocery budget. Consider in-season fruits, like citrus during the winter and peaches in the summer. If you’re worried about produce going bad, stock up on frozen fruits and vegetables when they’re on sale. Frozen produce still has great nutrients and can be prepared much like their fresh counterparts.When you don’t get enough sleep, your body can’t repair itself. Ongoing sleep deficiencycan lead to heart disease, kidney disease, high blood pressure, diabetes and stroke. Prioritize your rest time and rearrange your schedule to make time for sleep, and implement simple changes like limiting screen time, to make falling asleep easier.
Identify areas of your life that are causing you stress, and make changes to help limit that stress. Maybe your work-life balance is out of whack. Or, you have too many commitments. No matter what's causing you anxiety and stress, it's important to remember that there's no shame in taking a mental health day and asking for help.
.
Drinking water each day helps to regulate body temperatureand keeps joints moving easily and organs functioning properly. While your total hydration needs don't have to be met with water alone (think hydrating fruits and vegetables like watermelon and cucumber), it's best to limit fruit juices and soft drinks. While they may be hydrating, they're also high in sugar and calories.
While those fancy workout clothes or the latest diet trend may seem appealing, making changes to your health doesn't have to come with a hefty price tag. Instead, some common sense, basic changes can go a long way in preventing chronic disease and supporting an overall healthier life.
