7 ways to spring clean your health

It’s the season of cleaning, so before you start dusting, decluttering and scrubbing your home, why not focus on your most valuable asset?

You!

To get you started, we’ve put together seven simple ways to tidy up your own health.

1. Tackle the teeth

It’s important to have a check-up with your dentist every six months to get an examination, scale, clean and fluoride treatment – and the start of spring is the perfect opportunity to make an appointment! nib offers a number of policies which include benefits for general dental treatment and if you visit an nib dental care centre, you could get 100% back^* on dental check-ups.

2. Tidy up your training routine

Not only can exercise reduce your risk of heart attack, type 2 diabetes and some cancers, it can also improve your energy levels, mood and sleep. Struggling to find the time to exercise? We've got you covered with this super speedy 10-minute do-anywhere workout.

3. Slap on some sunscreen

As the weather starts to warm up, it’s even more essential that you slather on the SPF. If you have a suspicious looking mole or skin lesion, it’s time to visit your doctor or skin specialist.

Need to book in a skin check? Our Find a Provider service allows you to search for health professionals in your local area and see contact information.

You probably associate sunburnt skin with a scorching hot day, but sunburn isn’t actually caused by the sun. Find out some of the other biggest sun safety myths.

4. Pick-up on your peepers

It may be glaringly obvious, but you should aim to have your eyes checked by an optometrist at least every two years, and more regularly if you notice any eye problems. nib has a number of eye care centres across Sydney, Newcastle and Melbourne which provide 100% back^* on a selection of contact lenses and single vision prescription glasses if your policy includes extras benefits.

5. Turn off the tech

Have you ever found yourself zoning out in front of the TV of an evening, or scrolling aimlessly through Facebook while sipping your morning coffee? The overuse of technology is not doing your health any favours, so this spring, make a commitment to switch it off and spend more time outdoors. Whether you take your dog for a walk, head to the park and kick a footy, or go for a dip in the ocean, the fresh air will do you a world of good.

6. Dust-up on your breathing

You breathe without thinking, so you don’t need to practice it… right? Wrong. Deep breathing is when the air coming through your nose fills up your lungs and causes your lower belly to rise. This type of breathing encourages full oxygen exchange and can lower your heart rate and stabilise blood pressure.

Here are a few other tips to help you improve your mental wellbeing in under five minutes.

Deep breathing can lower your heart rate and stabilise blood pressure

7. Review your private health

Our health needs change as we get older, so make sure you have the right level of cover. For example, if you’re not yet covered for heart-related procedures, it might be a good idea to upgrade; or, if you’ve just joined the local footy team, it might be time to add physio to your cover.

Check out your policy in Online Services or call us on 13 16 42 for a cover review.