Topics for discussion: Let’s talk about health. What does our health depend on? What do you do to be healthy?

Healthy lifestyle structure

• Introduction (What does our health depend on?)
• The importance of sport and exercises
• Healthy food
• Sleep
• Get rid of bad habits
• Mental and emotional health
• Conclusion

Nowadays our life is getting more and more hectic. People live under the press of different problems, such as social, ecological, economic and others. They constantly suffer from stress, noise and dust in big cities, diseases and instability. Our health is influenced by a combination of factors, including genetics, lifestyle and habits, environmental factors, education, income level, and social support. A person should be strong and healthy in order to overcome all difficulties. To achieve this aim people ought to take care of their physical and mental health. There are several ways to do it.

The state of your body depends on how much time you spend doing sports. At least everybody must do morning exercises every day. The most healthy kinds of sports are swimming, running and cycling. For anyone who really wants to be healthy, fitness has become an integral part of their lives. A lot of health and fitness clubs, and public leisure centres that exist in our country indicate the popularity of sports. Families can spend their holidays at huge indoor water parks. In such places everybody will have much fun.

Besides there are many other opportunities for keeping fit. First of all it is necessary to do exercises. People of different ages can design exercises that will fit them. Many people prefer jogging, which is the cheapest and the most accessible sport. Walking is a very popular activity too. 

In order to keep fit some people do aerobics or yoga; others prefer some kind of weight training in a gym. People can easily learn more about fitness through popular books and videos that are sold almost everywhere. Even moderate physical activity can protect against heart disease and strokes as well as improve general health and the quality of life. Everyone can benefit from being a little more active. Making small changes like using the stairs instead of the lift or walking or cycling instead of taking the bus can help people live a more active, healthier and enjoyable life. 

As for me I try to follow all these recommendations and I have PE classes three times a week. I think it’s quite appropriate for me and helps me to be fit and healthy.

Healthy food is also a very important factor. Overeating causes many dangerous diseases. The daily menu should include meat, fruit and vegetables, milk products, which are rich in vitamins, fat, proteins and etc. Paying enough attention to hydration is really vital. Drinking enough water throughout the day is a good way to maintain optimal body functioning. You shouldn't forget about moderation and limit the intake of sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats, and practise portion control. On the other hand, modern diets are very popular especially among women. Diets may be harmful, if they are used in the wrong way.

In order to be healthy it's really essential to have adequate sleep for 7-9 hours per night. I personally try to establish a regular sleep schedule and create a restful environment to improve my sleep quality.

To be healthy, people should get rid of their bad habits. It's necessary to give up smoking and drinking much. Everyone should remember that cigarettes, alcohol and drugs destroy both body and brain. Besides according to statistics most of crimes are committed by people under the influence of drugs and alcohol.

In addition it is recommended to maintain mental and emotional well-being by managing stress practising such stress-reduction techniques as mindfulness, meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises. Social connections are extremely significant: having meaningful relationships and engaging in social activities help combat loneliness and improve emotional health.

What concerns me, I also try to stimulate my mind with learning activities, reading, or hobbies that challenge my cognitive skills, for instance, learning languages and playing computer games. Moreover, I do my best to avoid anxiety and observe daily routine. Certainly it's hard to follow all these recommendations, but every person has to choose between healthy life style and numerous illnesses.

13. Let’s talk about health. What does our health depend on? What do you do to be healthy?

1) What kinds of sports are popular with Belarusians?

2) What would you recommend to eat to be healthy?

3) Do you agree that smoking is an unhealthy habit? Why?

4) Why should a person sleep enough?

 20. Describe the way of life which you consider to be healthy.

1) What do you do to keep fit?

2) Do you agree that smoking is an unhealthy habit? Why?

3) Why should a person sleep enough?

4) What sports would you recommend me to go in for?