The Deputy Minister of Health points out 4 small habits that can make a big difference to your health.

Deputy Minister of Health Tran Van Thuan advised that healthy eating, regular exercise, sufficient sleep, and regular health checkups are simple ways that can make a big difference to one’s health.

Speaking at the launch ceremony of the “I’m Healthier and More Beautiful” contest organized by the Health and Life Newspaper on July 30th, Deputy Minister Tran Van Thuan stated that health is not just about being free from disease, and beauty is not only measured by weight or appearance. According to him, a healthy and beautiful person is one who has sufficient physical strength to work, a balanced mind to overcome pressure, and enough energy to live positively and contribute to their family and society.

The policy of shifting strongly from treating disease to proactively preventing it, as outlined in Resolution 72 of the Politburo, will only truly be implemented when it is concretized through daily choices such as proper eating, regular exercise, sufficient sleep, stress management, and regular health checkups.

“These are all very ordinary things, but when done correctly and maintained for long enough, these ordinary things can create extraordinary changes,” he said.

According to the Deputy Minister, young people often underestimate their health, staying up late, eating irregularly, and exercising little because they think their bodies are still healthy. Meanwhile, entering middle age, work pressure, family responsibilities, and natural bodily changes make health care essential. He noted that many women spend most of their time caring for their families and work but neglect their own health.

“It’s not necessary to change everything in one day. Start with something small enough to maintain regularly, turn the right choice into a habit, and turn that habit into a lifestyle,” the Deputy Minister advised.

Deputy Minister of Health Tran Van Thuan speaking at the program on July 30th. Photo: Tran Minh

At the event, Associate Professor Dr. Tran Thanh Duong, Director of the Institute of Nutrition, warned that many chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and hypertension are closely related to overweight, obesity, malnutrition, and a sedentary lifestyle. He argued that rapid weight loss through fasting, using unverified medications, or excessive exercise may result in a 5-7 kg weight loss in a short time but causes dehydration and seriously affects the immune system and overall health.

Health and beauty must be built on a sustainable foundation. Scientific nutrition and reasonable exercise are the two most important solutions to improve physical fitness and prevent disease, he said.

The “I’m Healthier and More Beautiful” contest was organized to spread the message of scientific nutrition and reasonable exercise. On this occasion, the Organizing Committee, in collaboration with the Cancer Patient Support Fund – A Brighter Tomorrow, awarded a prize of 10 million VND specifically to cancer patients participating in the competition, aiming to encourage patients to maintain a positive lifestyle and improve their health.