The slow-burning threat of lifestyle diseases
The term 'lifestyle disease' can come as a new concept for many. The simplest description of it would be a disease that is caused by irresponsible health choices we make in our day-to-day life.
It is estimated that worldwide, approximately 14.2 million people between the age of 30 to 70 die succumb to lifestyle diseases every year.
Cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, stress obesity and some forms of cancers can be listed as lifestyle diseases. Here are some ways to help you navigate this damaging disease and build healthy lifestyle habits.
A healthy diet: From diabetes to heart disease, cancer, high blood pressure, indigestion and obesity, eating a healthy diet plays an important role in preventing lifestyle diseases.
Make sure your diet includes minimal junk, processed, packaged and deep-fried food, and contains more fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, nuts and seeds, leafy green vegetables, fatty fish, eggs, dairy products, etc. Try to consume home-cooked food most of the time and practise portion control to make a healthy diet work for you.
Regular exercise: Being physically active and is good for your heart, blood pressure, diabetes control etc. Exercising is an effective way to keep yourself fit and healthy, and lose weight. Maintaining a healthy weight is a great way to feel healthy and be disease-free.
Healthy body weight: A healthy diet and regular exercise can help you maintain a healthy body weight. Not being overweight is the key to preventing lifestyle-related diseases like type 2 diabetes, obesity, arthritis, hypertension etc. Maintaining a healthy weight is also important to prevent lethargy and for sound sleep and self-confidence.
Abstain from substance abuse: Smoking and drinking alcohol damages the heart and blood vessels. The risk from lifestyle diseases drastically reduces over time as a person quits smoking and drinking. This is almost as, or more, useful as common medicines that are used to lower heart disease risks such as aspirin, statins, beta-blockers, etc. Quit smoking for a younger you, good skin, more energy, better lung capacity, all of which leads to better breathing.
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