Just look at you… beaming and ready to give 2018 all you’ve got! And why not, things couldn’t be better, even your medical aid savings have been replenished! Great!

But, is it possible to start this year healthier with fewer visits to the doctor? There’s no denying that medical costs have ballooned over the past couple of decades. Between the consultation with your physician, the diagnostic tests performed, and the potential for prescription medicine as treatment for your visit, well, the bill is enough to make some patients’ jaws hit the floor! Not to mention the effect it has on your day-to-day savings and benefits.

So, what can be done to avoid the dreaded mid-year self-payment gap? Simple… stay healthy! A new year is often about reinventing ourselves into a set of standards that we cannot possibly reach, but there is so much that you can do to stay healthy. Most of these tips you already know about, like following a nutritious diet, exercising often, staying away from cigarettes and maintaining a healthy weight. Yes, and yes, of course you’re doing all of this already, but what if there are other tricks (which may be a little less obvious) you could try to stretch your safety net a bit further?

Read on for a few interesting tricks to make mind and body stronger, and doctors’ visits few and far in-between:

Adopt a furry friend. Dog owners who walk their dogs are more likely to meet recommendations for daily physical activity, and as a result, lower the risk of heart disease.

Start the morning with coffee. Studies show that coffee reduces the risk of many chronic diseases including cardiovascular disease, diabetes and Alzheimer’s. Just go easy: Too much coffee can trigger insomnia and anxiety. Also, hold the whipped toppings to avoid cancelling out the health benefits.

Have more sex. A roll in the hay gives us the opportunity to work out nearly every muscle in the entire body. It boosts the body’s immune response, reduces stress and even controls appetite. Two to three orgasms a week yields best benefits, doctor’s orders!

Floss at least once a day. Daily flossing doesn’t only get rid of trapped food between your teeth, but a lack of flossing can trigger periodontal disease and cause low-grade inflammation which increases the risk of heart attack and stroke.

Loneliness can compromise your immune system making it harder to fight off disease.

Go nuts. Nuts are high in antioxidants, fibre and unsaturated fatty acids, and will lower your risk of heart disease and diabetes. As a healthy but high calorie snack, limit your portion size to about 20 nuts.

Laugh aplenty. Laughter decreases blood pressure, reduces blood sugar, dulls pain and lowers stress.

Take a walk every day. Create an awesome playlist, get outside and be mindful, and grateful.

Don’t try to fit in. Once you’ve identified what makes you different, concentrate on that. To be healthy and successful, you don’t have to change who you are; you have to become more of who you are.

Doable right?

So, let’s make it happen! Start small and navigate your health (and your medical aid) by thinking about how you can become happier and healthier in 2018.

Source: www.moneyshop.co.za, www.yesandyes.org, www.health.com, za.pinterest.com, www.bustle.com, www.fastcompany.com, hellogiggles.com, howstuffworks.com, www.huffingtonpost.com, elitedaily.com, about.co, gq.co.za, bembu.com, thoughtcatalogue.com, www.fool.com, www.rodalewellness.com