Everyday Risks People Face to Their Long-Term Health

Your body is the single most physical thing that makes you, you. Every day, people take risks that affect their long-term health. No matter your age, everything you do affects your health down the road. Take care of your body now to give yourself a longer, happier, and healthier life.

Lack of Sleep

Most individuals know that 7–9 hours of sleep is recommended for everyone. But they neglect to recognize how a lack of sleep over time can have serious effects on your long-term health. Sleep deprivation puts a strain on your mental and physical health. Lack of sleep can cause weight gain, a weak immune system, high blood pressure, put you at risk of heart disease and cause many mental obstacles. When you do not have enough sleep, your brain cannot function properly and is prone to react slower. Slow reactions impact your day-to-day performance and can put you at risk of injuries and accidents.

Excessive Alcohol Consumption

A high level of alcohol consumption can have a detrimental impact on an individual's health. Because alcohol must be metabolized, an excess amount in the bloodstream can impact the heart's circulation which can lead to the development of diseases and other serious health problems. Liver disease, pancreatitis, and cancer are some of the more common health complications that come from the heavy consumption of alcohol. Your tolerance depends on many physical factors including genetics, body mass, gender, and overall health. Consult your physician to know what kind of limitations you should put on your consumption and what you can tolerate while still achieving a healthy life.

Poor Posture

Poor posture affects your mental and physical health. Slumping sends negative signals to the brain which will cause a lack of mental confidence. Poor posture is also bad for your overall health as it creates tension and stiffness in the muscles. Your body is aligned perfectly for the organs, bones, and muscles to have the perfect space. Collapsing your body makes things get squished and compromises their overall functions. If not corrected, the muscles will transform the structure of your body which may lead to poor circulation, impaired lung function, disruptive digestion, and a curvature of the spine. If you experience headaches or tension in the shoulders, you may want to examine your posture and strengthen your muscles to support yourself correctly.

Sun Exposure

Extensive time spent in the sun, without proper protection, can cause extreme sunburns and even cancer. However, direct sunlight is not the only way you can damage your body’s largest organ: the skin. Even on a cloudy day, exposure to light directly or through windows will age your skin with wrinkles, fine lines, and sunspots. It is important to protect yourself from the sun’s UV rays every day of the year. Wear SPF daily, especially on your face. Sunglasses and hats will help protect your eyes. If you spend a lot of time in a car, window tinting can protect you from UV rays. You can still enjoy the sun and protect yourself from its rays on a daily basis.

Dehydration

Dehydration is caused by a lack of water and often electrolytes. When the body loses more water than it has taken in, it gets dehydrated. Your body is made of about 60 percent water, which means you need 2-3 liters of water each day , on average, to keep it hydrated. Symptoms of dehydration include thirst, headaches, weakness, dizziness, and fatigue. Extreme dehydration can lead to kidney and other major organ failures as they need water to survive. As a rule, set reminders to drink often and keep your body healthy and hydrated.

Excessive Sitting

Studies have shown that sitting behind a desk for hours on end can be hazardous to your health. Long periods of sitting are linked to increased risk of diabetes and heart disease, as well as cancer. If working a desk job, it is wise to stand up for a few minutes every hour and give your back a break from the sitting posture. Don’t underestimate the effect taking brief walks in the middle of the day will have on your health. Standing often will decrease back pain, decrease your susceptibility to be overweight, promote strong muscles, and increase brain activity.

Too Much Screen Time

In today’s world, it is easy to spend most of the day looking at a screen. Jobs require interacting with computers, school materials, and research is often done online, phones are their own minicomputer, and TV is a common way to unwind for the day. However, all this screen time takes a toll on your physical and mental health. Staring at a screen for excessive periods of time will strain your eyes and leave them feeling dry. This can cause damage to your retinas and blur your vision. Screen time can affect your sleep habits and alter the cognitive processing in your brain. While the world requires screens, it is important to give yourself a break from them, read a physical book, and exercise daily to reset your body.

Poor Eating Habits

The food you give your body greatly determines its performance. Short-term effects of poor nutrition lead to stress, tiredness, poor performance, and decreased brain functions. Long-term effects include being overweight, risk of heart disease, diabetes, cancer, malnutrition, and so much more. The bottom line is, your body cannot function without proper nutrients. Fast food meals and microwave dinners may be convenient, but they take a toll on your health. Find ways to supplement your diet with all the fruits, vegetables, proteins, and grains your body needs to stay healthy and strong.

There are risks you take every day that can impact your immediate and long-term health. Staying physically fit is about more than just showing up to the gym. It is about choosing to take care of your body physically and mentally from the stresses of the world. Take the necessary precautions to live a balanced life which will then give your body the power to live a healthy life.

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