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4 Ways to Avoid Health Risks to Stay Healthy

We are all predisposed to be at higher risk for certain health risks based on our genes. Knowing what previous generations suffered with can inform what you may be at risk for. However, there are lots of diseases associated with environment and lifestyle, and not your genetics.

To protect yourself from these ailments, here are 4 tips to avoid health risks:

Avoid Smoking and Second-hand Smoke

The chemicals in cigarette smoke do immense damage to the body. They damage the lining of the blood vessels, which can lead to an aneurysm, stroke, brain damage and even death. It causes stained teeth and bad breath, but more importantly, most throat and mouth cancers. For those inhaling the smoke second-hand, the risks of disease are just as high. Second-hand smoke exposure puts the victim at 30% higher risk of lung cancer, even if they have never smoked themselves. Kids who inhale cigarette smoke are vulnerable to respiratory infections, asthma attacks, and a variety of different cancers.

Don’t Overeat

Consuming more calories than your body can burn off leads to obesity. Being obese puts you at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes, and kidney and esophagus cancers. When your excess bodyweight is located on your stomach and chest (as opposed to your hips and rear) you are more likely to have sleep apnea, high blood pressure, and even heart disease and stroke. It’s incredibly important to set a good example of healthy eating to your children, as childhood obesity is on the rise and can cause your child to be at risk for an array of diseases.

Exercise Regularly

If you don’t use your muscles regularly, you will slowly lose their strength. And if you’re already at risk of diseases from obesity, not exercising can certainly expedite those issues. Regular exercise can help balance high blood pressure, reducing the risk of heart attack and stroke. It can help maintain muscle and joint health, prolonging risks of osteoporosis. In fact, weight-lifting as part of your routine can help improve bone density. Regular exercise has been linked with treating and preventing depression and anxiety.

Reduce Stress

Stress puts you at a higher chance of experiencing multiple health risks. When you are stressed and overwhelmed, you might overeat leading to obesity, or not eat enough leading to malnourishment. Stress can also cause high blood pressure which can lead to stroke and heart attack. It can cause you to stress-smoke cigarettes, abuse alcohol, and feel depressed. It’s important to find ways to reduce stress in your life to avoid these health risks; for example, yoga, creating art and working towards a fitness goal.

We aren’t in control of what health risks our genetics provide, but we can control our lifestyle. Avoid smoking for your own health and the health of those around you who may inhale second-hand smoke. Don’t overeat; exercise regularly to avoid becoming obese. Find methods to reduce stress in your life. We are in control of how we treat our bodies and which health risks we subject ourselves to. Lastly, you may want to take natural relaxing supplements that could help your body be free from several health risks.

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