Valentine season is upon us again!
In Lagos, love is in the air, traffic is on the horizon, and plans are being made to celebrate with loved ones (or yourself, self-love is important too!). It is a season of sharing, indulging in sweet treats, and expressing love to our loved ones.
Whether you plan to celebrate it alone or with your significant other, we believe it is essential to be aware of some health risks during this season and take necessary precautions. Below is a list of tips and suggestions we have compiled to assist you with this:
- Pay attention to your heart. February is the American Heart Month. Hence, Valentine’s Day and the rest of this month provides an excellent opportunity to pay extra attention to your heart health. Ensure you make it a lifestyle to eat heart-healthy foods and reduce sodium intake by eating foods low in sodium. Swap the intake of unhealthy fats like what you find in fatty meats and pastries for healthy fats such as nuts, avocados, and fatty fish. Enrich your diet with nutrient-dense foods like nuts, green vegetables, and fruits.
- Update your vaccination. Before you plan trips to visit your loved ones, make sure you have taken complete doses of your COVID-19 vaccination, flu shots and other relevant vaccinations. This will help protect you and your loved ones during this season.
- Drink reasonably. Valentine’s Day should not be a reason to throw caution to the wind. Celebrate and drink responsibly. Don’t drink and drive!
- Look after your mental health. This is a sensitive topic but one of utmost importance. This season some people may feel more alone. We encourage you to talk about your feelings with loved ones or someone you can trust, eat well, keep active, and care for others.
- Be mindful of your budget. While the season is associated with lots of gift-giving and sharing with loved ones, make sure you give what you can afford to prevent unnecessary tension and stress.
- Be safety conscious. During the celebration, pay attention to your security. Do not walk alone, especially in unfamiliar places or at night. Ensure to use your seat belt and other safety gadgets (especially for kids) while in a moving vehicle. If seated in traffic for an extended period, try and get your legs moving as best as possible.
- Practice safe sex. Avoid indiscriminate and unprotected sex. Always ensure you and your partner have taken the necessary steps and precautions to protect yourselves.
For any questions, concerns or more information, please speak to your family physician or book an appointment to get a consultation from one of our skilled physicians.
We at Q-Life Family Clinic hope you have a fun-filled Valentine’s Day!