7 defense tactics against health setbacks

In the game of basketball, a good defense is the best offense against unexpected setbacks. In life, as the world fights against the COVID-19 virus, we realize that good health is something we should never take for granted. AXA, one of the country’s leading insurance providers and the official insurance partner of the NBA in the Philippines, shares seven simple but effective defense tactics to help you with your game plan on staying physically and mentally strong, not just during the lockdown but also after the quarantine is over.

Eat healthy. What you eat is closely linked to your health. Avoid getting sick by maintaining a balanced diet composed of protein, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes. By making the right food choices, you are protecting yourself from possible health conditions such as diabetes, heart attack, cancer, or stroke.


Exercise regularly. Even off the court, you can still follow an at-home workout routine. Jump rope, do squats and lunges, push ups, and stretches. Exercising regularly boosts your energy, maintains healthy weight, and defends you against diseases.

Take vitamin supplements. There are occasions when people don’t get the right amount of nutrients from food alone. To fill the nutritional gap, drink the proper dietary supplements tailored to your body’s needs, which includes omega-3, zinc, folic acid, and more.

Check out health and life insurance options. Every now and then, people still get seriously sick despite living a healthy lifestyle. One of the best ways to prepare for this is to get  health and life insurance. Take advantage of the lockdown time to  research on various health and life insurance products according to your needs. Consider AXA Health Start, which provides coverage for the top three illnesses — cancer, heart attack, and stroke — and their select early stage conditions at an affordable price.

Avoid vices. Smoking and excessive alcohol drinking are harmful habits that may cause your health to quickly deteriorate, which may lead to death. Smoking can lead to emphysema or pulmonary diseases while too much drinking can damage your liver. The sooner you quit, the better.

Stay hydrated. Drinking more than eight glasses of water is essential to one’s health. It can help control calorie intake, energize the muscles, keep skin hydrated and young, and flush toxins out of the body.

Take a breather. Living healthy is more than just diet and exercise; one shouldn’t forget about mental health, too. One of the best exercises to stay mentally fit is meditation or even taking deep breaths. For beginners, sit or lie comfortably, close your eyes and focus your attention on your breathing and how the body moves with every inhale and exhale. If your mind wanders, work on bringing your focus back to your breathing.

Now more than ever, it is important to have a game plan to stay healthy. Be physically and mentally fit by following these simple tips from AXA Philippines. For more information on AXA, visit www.axa.com.ph.