health and habits 3

10 bad habits that affect your health

Part 3

msn.com

You eat well. You exercise. You go to bed early. All in all, you’re trying your best to look after your health. If you want to lead a long, fruitful life, staying on top of all of the above is absolutely vital. But did you know there are many simple bad habits that could be destroying all your hard work? Without further ado, let’s take a look at 10 things that could be negatively affecting your wellness.

Failing to wear sunscreen

Do you adore the sun? If you love nothing more than relaxing on a warm beach, take the following advice—wear sunscreen! Research from the University of Michigan Medical School suggests that daily exposure to UV rays could be linked to skin damage. Don’t take the risk. Make sure you protect yourself.

Not drinking enough water

Dehydration is a real health concern for many of us. One report from the National Health Service (NHS) states that this issue can lead to kidney problems if you don’t do something about it. Symptoms of dehydration include dizziness, headaches, and a dry mouth. Don’t ignore the problem—drink some water.

Smoking

Time to break the habit! If you’re a smoker, you may already know the health issues associated with smoking. For example, the more you smoke, more at risk your heart is, according to research from the European Society of Cardiology. While stopping may be hard, it’s one of the best ways to protect your health.

Not flossing

Dental hygiene is no joke. If you’re not in a decent routine when it comes to your oral hygiene, it could be time to up your game. Research from the American Academy of Periodontology suggests that having unhealthy gums could affect your lung health. Failing to take care of your teeth could be linked to a higher risk of diseases, such as pneumonia.

Using headphones

Music lovers beware—blasting tunes on your headphones could be a dangerous move. A report from the University of Utah suggests that listening to loud music for a long period of time on your headphones could lead to hearing damage. If you want to protect yourself, you might want to limit your usage and turn the volume down.

Staring at your phone screen

The rise of the smartphone has completely changed the way we live. If you spend too much time staring at your screen, you might want to take a break. Research from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine suggests that too much screen time could trigger insomnia and depression in young people.

Avoiding healthy fats

Believe it or not, some fats are good for your health. When you’re dieting or trying to slim down, you should still include some healthy fats in your eating plan. One trial from the Lancet found that eating a Mediterranean diet, which is high in healthy fats such as avocado and olive oil, does not lead to weight gain and could improve your nutrition.

Using tanning beds

Looking for that oh-so-stunning glow? You might want to steer clear of tanning beds. Using these machines on a regular basis has been linked to an increased risk of deadly skin cancers, according to the American Association for Cancer Research. Cutting back or quitting altogether will lower your risk.

Avoiding the sauna

When you need a little rest and relaxation, spending a few minutes in the sauna is a fantastic way to unwind. What’s more, a study published in Neurology found that using saunas on a regular basis can actually reduce your risk of having a stroke. Why not plan a last-minute trip to the spa?

Not eating garlic

It might not be the most romantic food, but you should be chomping on garlic regularly if you want to improve your health. Research published in the Asia-Pacific Journal of Clinical Oncology suggests that both onions and garlic could be linked to a lower risk of developing colorectal cancer. Add these nutrition-packed ingredients to your next meal.