Unhealthy behaviors can really play a part in the way your baody ages. Ivillage.com gives asks us to look at these things:
- Feeling overwhelmed by stress. Excess stress lowers our immunity, and boosts the risk of heart disease. Short term, try deep breathing. Long term, make some real changes to reduce the hectic lifestyle and focus on what is truly important.
- Drinking too much or too little. One or two drinks a day is actually good for you. It gives you time to relax and unwind. But people who consume too much alcohol, run the risk of heart disease, cancers of the liver and throat.
- Moving too little. A little bit of activity is all you need. It reduces chances of being overweight, which reduces stress on the body and mind. Walk for 30 minutes a day, and it doesn't have to be all at the same time.
- Eating too much saturated fat. This is found in meats, poultry, milk, butter, etc. Saturated fat raises bad cholesterol.
- Smoking cigarettes. Not a suprise. This causes wrinkles, and numerous other physical diseases.
- Breathing polluted air. Outdoor air pollution can cause coughing, burning eyes, and is linked to asthma attacks. So if you live in an area with high pollution levels, try to stay indoors when smog levels are high.
- Getting too much sun. Limiting sun exposure and wearing suncreen with SPF of at least 15 can cut the risk of skin cancer, as well as wrinkles.
- Getting too little sleep. Lack of sleep is linked to obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, and memory problems.
- Overweight. 64% of Americans weigh too much. This boosts chances of heart disease, diabetes, and some cancers.
- Eating too much sugar. Added sugars in cookies and other snack foods can contribute to poor diet. Try to snack on sweet fruits and vegetables to tame the craving.
It's all about finding what works best for you, and making a lifestyle change, rather than a quick fix that you'll get away from in a couple months.
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