Here is an excerpt from an interview with a retired medical and wellness doctor…..

Question: Health and wellness can be quite a challenge. Many of us battle. Are there any quick-wins or “hacks” that you can recommend? Things that really make a big impact with relatively little effort or cost?

Answer: It’s a fair question. We all want those quick-wins in life. Maximum return for minimal investment. So right at the start I’d best say that, as a general guiding principle, this approach is flawed. I think we mainly get out what we out in. Looking for ‘hacks” and “cheats” might not be the best strategy, overall. No. For that, we’d need a more honest and committed mind-set I think. But that’s a different point…..yes, there are a few wellness-hacks folks might consider.

Be active. Even an additional 10 minute walk can help. More is better. The benefits are just so enormous (energy, mood, concentration, weight, fitness, long term health…..) that I really do believe this to be the greatest win in wellness. If you are not active, get active.

Moderate. There are many choices available. Many habits. Many indulgences. When we think of things like food, alcohol, sloth, online-time, TV-time, and more things, the watchword should be moderate (or skip). In many cases there are ways to enjoy these sort of treats and still be well. But it tales moderation and something we used to call self-discipline.

See a good doctor. If you find a good family doctor who will listen carefully, examine thoroughly, and always offer you empowering information and full adult choice, treasure her. Ask questions. Listen carefully. A good doctor can really help you navigate through the ever increasing array of options in health and wellness.

Read and learn. There has never been more quality information available. On any topic. Anytime. For free. Or close. So yes, do “google” and do read up on health and wellness. Just try to read quality reliable sources (academic or qualified named sources, no intrusive adverts, balanced views, no sales pitch, no spam) as much as possible. Please. And ask your doctor if you are unsure.

Cover hospitalisation costs. Modern medicine has a lot to offer. Quality hospital care can be life changing and life prolonging. It is also often very expensive with state or other options really inadequate. So I strongly advise prioritising some form of health insurance or medical aid scheme to at least cover hospitalisation costs (this is mostly where the costs can be life-alteringly high). I know that it might be unaffordable for many and that is a real societal problem for sure. But still, as soon as you can afford this, do it I’d say.

I am sure there are others, but for most adults, these would be some of the better wellness hacks to focus on. The returns in each case, are major.

Written by Dr Colin Burns