There are so many factors out of our control when it comes to the aging process. But, there are some habits and behaviors that contribute to aging that can be eliminated. iVillage posted "10 Things That Age You."
- Excess Stress. Surprise, surprise. Being overwhelmed by stress lowers immunity and boosts risk of heart disease.
- Drinking too much alcohol. It's been said that one or two drinks a day is good for you, but excessive drinking can cause liver disease, stroke, and some cancers.
- Inactivity. Activity can reduce your chance of being overweight, reduce stress, and maybe even ward off Alzheimer's Disease because it keeps your mind active as well.
- Too much saturated fat. Fat raises bad cholesterol and can send you down the path of heart disease.
- Smoking cigarettes. The Center for Disease Control reports that 45 million people still smoke. In case you haven't heard, smoking causes cancer and wrinkles!
6. Breathing polluted air. If there is a smog or high pollution warning in effect for your area, take it seriously. Pollutants can cause your throat to burn, respiratory distress, and wreak havoc on people with asthma.
7. Too much sun. Always wear a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 when exposed to the sun for long periods. Sun exposure can cause skin cancer.
8. Not enough sleep. This has been linked to obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, and memory problems.
9. Overweight. Carrying too much weight can boost the chances of heart disease, diabetes, and even cancer.
10. Too much sugar. This contributes to weight gain, diabetes, and possibly heart disease.
These are ten things to think about not only for aging, but for an overall healthier lifestyle.
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