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Weighing in Health Risks
Obesity and smoking are in a tight race - but it's a race that's not fun to watch. In fact, it's very painful because the end result is death. The Health Race involves what kills more people - obesity or smoking?
Other than these two top underlings of the Health World, there are other risk factors that can impact longevity and quality of life, but they are being overshadowed by 'the smoking and obesity' war because so many people smoke and so many people are obese. Smoking and obesity are also visible health risks, so they naturally spawn more talk, more attention, and more studies which usually generates even more bad news from the Health World when it comes to these Sons of the Grim Reaper.
Some other health risks that get close attention, but don't take top billing are:
Cholesterol levels:
If high cholesterol isn't roped with either diet or drugs or a combination
of both, serious and potentially life threatening health risks may
occur including heart attack and stroke.
Heredity - A
person's gene pool plays a huge part in longevity and health risks.
Genes can pass along so many diseases: kidney disease, heart
disease, diabetes - just to name a few.
Diabetes -
It's a major killer. My father was a victim of diabetes and the power that
diabetes holds over the body can be
overwhelming and at times, uncontrollable, even with drugs, diet
and exercise. Diabetes claimed his eyesight, and one toe -
which could have been a limb instead. He was one of the lucky
ones, if you call blindness and being called 'One Toe' lucky. However,
in the end diabetes contributed to his death.
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Exercise
- a lack of exercise equals a lack of health.
Body fat distribution -
Are you an apple or a pear? Studies indicate that weight distributed
around the mid-section puts an individual at a higher health risk
than an individual who carries weight around the buttocks and hips
(i.e. pear). Men tend to be apples - but not all men, and
women tend to be pears - but not all women.
Blood pressure -
Controlling your blood pressure is the beat of a healthy drum.
Here is our list of things that you can do to decrease health risks and create a healthier you:
Enjoy
a diet low in fat and cholesterol.
If
your metabolism is sluggish, or if you feel a bit sluggish, look
at your quality of diet and make changes accordingly. (A noticeable
decrease in energy always requires a doctor's further examination.)
Keep
stress levels under the lid. It's a fact that ancient people
(90's and older) live longer because they enjoy a high level of
contentment.
Posture
- Hold your head up, yeah - hold your head up!
Breathing -
The manner in which one breathes effects the number on the weight scales.
Make sure you're getting your full breath of life.