Your health questions, answered by a real expert.
This week, we’ve partnered up with Dr Hibah Ansary. Dr Hibah Ansary qualified from King’s College London in 2016. She trained across the North West at various hospital trusts before completing her board certification in General Practice. She is experienced in a managing a variety of acute and long-term conditions. Her special interests include women’s health and menopause care.
What’s one simple thing people can do every day to feel healthier?
People often underestimate the powerful effects of simple things. Whilst club memberships and gyms can be a great solution for many , there are other ways to stay healthy too. For me, getting at least 30 minutes of fresh air everyday whatever the weather is so important to feel good. A brisk walk can have positive effects for both physical and mental health. Enjoying outside space in the form of a local park or even the garden is something I particularly enjoy.
What’s a common health myth that you wish more people knew the truth about?
Myth: You should avoid all fats if you’re trying to be healthy or lose weight.
Fact: You do not have to avoid all fats if you’re trying to improve your health or lose weight. In fact, fats in foods are essential nutrients and they should be an important part of a healthy eating plan. To avoid excess calories you do need to limit fats. For weight loss perhaps consider eating small amounts of food which contain healthy fats for example nuts, olives and avocados. You also could replace whole-fat cheese or milk with lower-fat versions.
If you could give just one piece of advice for living a balanced life, what would it be?
Simplify your life. Identify the things that drain you of energy and replace them with activities, people and things that bring happiness and pleasure. Avoid overcramming your schedule - be realistic in what you can fit into your daily routine. It’s okay to say no to plans sometimes!
What’s something about health and well-being that people tend to overcomplicate?
Skincare and hair regimes! With the beauty market at the moment it can be easy to buy into numerous different products that claim to help hair, nails and skin. My advice would be to stick to the basics - stay hydrated, manage stress, eat a healthy diet and sleep well. An overall biotin containing supplement can be useful. Also ensuring you have enough vitamins and minerals naturally through your diet is so important - iron, folate, B12, calcium and vitamin D can be increased with the correct diet.
What’s a small change that can make a big difference in someone’s overall well-being?
Sleeping on time and getting enough hours (7-9hours a night). Adequate sleep supports a healthy immune system, heart health, and metabolism. It can also regulate mood, reduce stress, and improve cognitive function. I try to sleep at the same time every night during the week. Keeping a written diary or using an app/ smart device can often help you get into a pattern of sleep that works for you. Magnesium can be really helpful with sleep, and I take this supplement daily.
Got a question for the doctor?
Comment on blog post or drop us an email at care@oceansalive.co.uk to be featured in next week’s Doctor’s Dose!
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