Staying healthy - what not to do!
It is only right that on a website dedicated to healthy living that a little is said about what not to do!
One of the biggest risks to health is smoking. If you smoke, not only are you risking your own health, but also that of your friends and family who breathe in your secondhand smoke. The damage that is done to your body is horrific. In terms of aesthetics it will stain you teeth and give you bad breath and on a more serious note you drastically increase your risk of cancer of the throat, mouth, tongue and oesophagus by smoking. It is not surprising that your lungs suffer massively if you smoke. You are lucky if all you get is asthma, cough, cold and wheezing. Over 80% of all lung cancers, bronchitis and emphysema are related to smoking. Another attractive side effect of smoking is that it stops oxygen getting to your skin making it appear dull and grey. Toxins in the body from this will also cause cellulite. Smoking can also cause bones to weaken quicker (osteoporosis) and this is particularly prevalent in women. The effects also spread to your stomach where you risk increased risk of stomach ulcers and cancer of the kidneys, pancreas or bladder by smoking.
Passive smoking is the term that is sometimes used to describe breathing in other peoples smoke. A non-smoker will be put at risk of all the same health risks as a smoker if exposed to smoke in this way. Smoke will hang around the house for hours, even if you cannot see it and will stain walls and furniture. Smoking in a car with other people in it is especially bad due to the small and confined space!
There are steps that you can take to quit smoking. Firstly you need to think ahead and pick a day that you are going to stop smoking. Be aware of the help that is available and how to access it. Get yourself in a positive frame of mind so you are prepared to meet the challenge! Next you need to actually take the plunge. If you are prepared and know the withdrawal affects on the body you may feel more able to cope with them when they happen. Finally, enjoy the feeling of achievement and benefits to your health from being smoke free!mit intake of alcohol. Finally, make sure you drink plenty of water and limit caffeine containing products such as coffee.