While it's well accepted that unhealthy activities like smoking and binge drinking will shorten your life expectancy, there are additional unhealthy habits that you may not even be aware of that can potentially cause an early demise.
Consuming processed meals heavy in sugar and fat, sitting for extended periods of time, and not getting enough exercise are additional habits that can reduce our life expectancy. Even though some of these behaviors may appear harmless, they can all lead to a decline in our general health and wellbeing. The good news is that we have control over many of these habits. We can dramatically improve our health and extend our lives by making small lifestyle changes.
Examine Your Life From a Holistic Preventive Perspective
Many aspects of daily living can shorten our lives without our being aware of it, as Dr. Mitchell tells us. For instance, smoking is one of the main factors contributing to cancer-related fatalities globally. Smokers are 25 times more likely to acquire lung cancer than nonsmokers, according to the American Cancer Society. Let's discuss behaviors from a different angle, though. Longevity depends on adopting a balanced, preventative attitude to life and health. Take a sincere look at your life and the effects of your personal decisions by picking up a pen and a piece of paper. Numerous behaviors can shorten your life, so the list below is by no means comprehensive.
Procrastination
Procrastination can, as Dr. Mitchell notes, "have some fairly bad repercussions. "Putting off tasks can have a significant influence on our life, from bad grades to missed opportunities. However, did you realize that delaying tasks might also mean the difference between life and death? According to studies, cancer patients who put off receiving treatment had a higher mortality rate than those who did not. It can be challenging to quit the habit of procrastination, but it's crucial to keep in mind that your health is on the line. Don't delay treatment if you or someone you know has cancer because doing so could worsen the situation. The outcome might decide between life and death."
Trying to please everyone
Dr. Mitchell explains , "While there are numerous characteristics that can cause cancer, one that is frequently ignored is having a people-pleasing personality. Peer pressure is more likely to cause people pleasers to give in, which may result in them forming cancer-causing habits like smoking or drinking alcohol. Furthermore, people-pleasers frequently put others' demands ahead of their own, which results in unhealthful lifestyle decisions. For instance, they could prefer processed foods over wholesome fruits and vegetables or skip meals. These elements can all raise the risk of developing cancer. Therefore, it's crucial to be aware of the risks and take precautions if you're a people pleaser."
Embarrassing Thing to Do #2 in Public Restrooms
Dr. Mitchell queries: "Do you realize how many individuals are afraid to use the restroom? People may keep this garbage in their possession because of their worry. Many of us are actually full with crap. The retention of feces can lead to unhealthy habits that, according to recent research, may indirectly increase risk factors for colon cancer. But keeping feces in your system longer could make you constipated. If you combine it with a low-fiber diet, which is known to be a risk factor for colon cancer, there is a correlation. Therefore, a diet high in fruits, vegetables, and other high fiber foods is crucial since it can lower your risk of developing cancer."
Possessing a Poor Attitude
Negative thoughts and attitudes can proliferate and reproduce in the body in the same way that malignant cells can, according to Dr. Mitchell. Negative emotions and thoughts can be harmful to our physical health, much like cancer. According to studies, those with an optimistic outlook are less likely to get cancer. Cancer patients are more likely to benefit from treatment if they retain an optimistic mindset. There are numerous reasons for this connection. First, by enhancing the immune system, positive thinking may help the body more effectively fight off cancerous cells. Second, adopting a positive outlook may result in healthier behaviors like regular exercise and eating wholesome foods.Third, it's crucial for us to examine our attitudes and surround ourselves with individuals who aren't afraid to tell us the truth because studies have shown that people with a positive outlook typically live longer than those who are pessimistic.
Diseases Spread Through Sexual Contact
According to Dr. Mitchell, "Sex is no longer taboo in most of the country, and I won't avoid the subject because it's important-especially when it comes to cancer risk and life expectancy. Although cancer is most frequently linked to aging, anyone can develop cancer at any moment. In recent years, cancer incidence has increased.The rise in the number of persons engaging in dangerous activities, such as having many sexual partners, is one of the contributing factors. Human papillomavirus has been linked to a number of cancers, including those of the cervical, penile, esophageal, vaginal, and vulva (HPV) The sexually transmitted pathogen HPV, which can spread through unprotected sex, has been related to each of these cancer forms. With each additional sexual partner you have, your risk of developing cancer rises; as a result, it's critical to monitor your behavior to lower it. Additionally, vaccines are available to lower your risk of developing these cancers. It is crucial to consult your primary care physician or a sexual health clinic with any health issues.
Adopting a Sedentary Way of Life
Dr. Mitchell says that "a sedentary lifestyle might significantly affect life expectancy. According to studies, people who lead inactive lifestyles are more likely to pass away early than those who lead active lifestyles. This is due to a number of factors. The first is that a sedentary lifestyle can contribute to obesity and other health issues including diabetes and heart disease. Second, exercise keeps the body healthy and operating properly. It aids in maintaining strong bones and muscles as well as stress reduction. Finally, studies have shown that exercise improves cognitive function and offers protection from diseases like Alzheimer's. Due to all of these factors, it is crucial to incorporate exercise into your daily routine.