New Chinese Wellness Concepts: 12 Health Rules You Can Break
In many people's minds, many well-known health rules are "unbreakable," but are these rules really suitable for everyone? For some people, it might be okay to break some of these rules.
Drinking eight glasses of water a day, eating five servings of fruits and vegetables, and getting eight hours of sleep—these can all sound tiring, so you don't have to be so strict about following them. The following 12 health rules might be okay to break:
1. Don't eat food that has fallen on the ground
Food on the floor might have a lot of bacteria, but it's not actually that dangerous. However, if the food has been on the ground for a long time, don't eat it, as small insects might have crawled on it. Don't eat food that has been on the ground overnight either.
2. Stay away from people with colds
Unless you have a lung disease or asthma, being around someone with a cold is not a big deal. But remember to wash your hands with soap and warm water after contact with someone who has a cold, as cold germs can spread through contact.
3. Get eight hours of sleep every night
Many people aim for eight hours of sleep a night, but everyone is different. Some data shows that seven hours of sleep is associated with a longer life. As long as you feel energetic the next day, that's what matters.
4. Eat five servings of fruits and vegetables every day
No studies show that this specific amount is the most perfect. Research only shows that eating more fruits and vegetables is beneficial to health, but you don't have to be rigid about the number of servings.
5. No gain without pushing yourself to exhaustion during exercise
You might not need to push yourself to exhaustion during exercise. For example, walking at 4 miles per hour for an hour can burn 400 calories, and running at a 10-minute mile pace for 30 minutes will burn the same amount. Regular, moderate exercise is sufficient.
6. Sterilize baby bottles and pacifiers
Sterilization is only necessary if the water source is not clean, such as well water.
7. Older children should have their blood checked every year
There is no evidence that annual check-ups can detect diseases. Unless there are health issues, children over 7 years old only need a check-up every two or three years to monitor their growth and update their vaccinations.
8. Maintain your regular beauty routine while traveling
While traveling, you might not need to be so troublesome. Travel-sized shampoos, facial cleansers, and body washes will do. Or you can use samples of moisturizer and eye cream.
9. Never give up exercising
It's good to stay active, but taking occasional rest can also make your body healthier. If you're sick or injured, allow yourself to rest properly.
10. Eat very healthy every day
It's okay to occasionally eat high-calorie, low-nutrient foods, but don't do it too often or eat too much in one sitting.
11. Women shouldn't lift weights unless they want bulky muscles
Women don't have as much testosterone and other male hormones to form bulky muscles. Light weightlifting will only make muscles firmer, not bulky. Moreover, weightlifting is good for women's bone health and helps prevent osteoporosis.
12. Drink eight glasses of water a day
It's good to stay hydrated, but water isn't the only option. Other water-rich foods like watermelon, lettuce, and soup can also help you stay hydrated.