Three Bad Health Habits That Will Cut Your Life Short

by Susan Patterson
Though many habits are harmless, three in particular are the leading cause of death and tend to begin early. Cigarette smoking and excessive drinking are a given. Everyone knows the damage that is caused to the lungs by smoking and to the liver while drinking. But lack of physical activity and poor eating habits is the third killer, and over half the population is overweight. While it can be hard to break habits that are so deeply embedded, there is hope. Learn more here about the dangers of these activities and what you can do to stop them.

Cigarette smoking is linked to a number of problems, including lung cancer, emphysema and COPD. Every time you light up, you are inhaling over 400 different substances into your body, and over 25% of them are known carcinogens. Not to mention the bad breath, yellow teeth, and smelly clothes and hair you get from the cigarette smoke. Even though smoking is linked to lung cancer and breathing problems, the number one killer of smokers is heart problems. Cigarettes are just as bad for your heart as your lungs. Quitting can be extremely difficult, especially if you began at a young age. Talk to your doctor and find a program with adequate support.

Though moderate alcohol drinking is said to have some health benefits, the addictive side of alcohol makes it far too alluring to have only a couple of drinks a day. Besides being a leading cause of suicide, excessive drinking increases your risk for several types of cancer, high blood pressure, pancreatitis, heart damage and more. Yet many people cannot stop drinking regardless of the risks associated with it. Many say a glass of red wine a day is good for the heart, but studies show that drinking high quality grape juice has the same effect. If you or a loved one can’t stop drinking, talk to your doctor about their options. Residential and outpatient treatments are available, and many times insurance will cover the first attempt to stop.

You may think you’re too busy to exercise and pay attention to what you’re eating, and apparently you’re not alone. Lack of proper eating habits and activity levels is the third killer. Being overweight puts you at risk for several conditions, including many types of cancer and heart disease. A diet high in processed food including too much sugar can lead to Type 2 Diabetes. Just losing 5 to 10 percent of your weight can help your heart function better. Adding more exercise to your day doesn’t mean spending hours at the gym. Taking walks and climbing stairs count. Just be sure you do enough to add up to an hour a day. Substitute unhealthy snacks for fresh foods, and bring your lunch to work instead of eating out. You don’t need to experience quick weight loss to impact your health. If hunger is a concern, try a natural appetite suppressant like hoodia. This will help control cravings and keep you from eating out of habit instead of hunger.