Continuing certain habits or behaviors can indeed have detrimental effects on health and well-being over time. Here are six common habits that some men may need to reconsider for their long-term health:
1 Eating too much red meat
The study: People who had at least four ounces of red or processed meat per day were 30 percent more likely to die earlier.
The reasoning: Red and processed meat intakes were associated with modest increases in total mortality, cancer mortality and cardiovascular disease mortality,” the study said.
2 Oversleeping
The study: A six-year sleep study conducted by the University of California involving 1.1 million patients showed that people who slept eight hours a day died younger than people who slept six or seven hours per day.
3 Watching too much T.V.
The study: Watching two hours of T.V. per day could take 1.4 years off your life.
The reasoning: A BMJ Open study on “sedentary behavior” showed that too much time just lounging around will ultimately lead to an earlier death
4 Sitting through bad traffic
The study: A longer daily commute leads to a long list of diseases and health issues, shortening your life.
The reasoning: All the stress and inactivity partially caused higher waist circumferences, higher blood pressure and larger body mass indices
5 Excessive Alcohol Consumption**: While moderate alcohol consumption may have some health benefits, excessive drinking can lead to a range of health problems, including liver disease, cardiovascular issues, mental health disorders, and increased risk of accidents and injuries. Cutting back on alcohol consumption or seeking help for alcohol dependence is crucial for long-term health and well-being.
6 Ignoring Regular Health Check-ups**: Many men tend to neglect routine health check-ups and preventive screenings, leading to undiagnosed health issues. Regular check-ups with healthcare professionals can help identify potential health concerns early on and allow for timely interventions or lifestyle changes to prevent more serious conditions down the line.
6 Avoiding Emotional Expression**: Men are often socialized to suppress emotions and avoid vulnerability, which can negatively impact mental health and relationships. Learning to express emotions in healthy ways, such as through open communication, seeking support from loved ones, or engaging in creative outlets like writing or art, can foster emotional well-being and resilience.
7 Unhealthy Eating Habits**: Poor dietary choices, such as consuming excessive amounts of processed foods, sugary snacks, and unhealthy fats, can contribute to weight gain, high blood pressure, diabetes, and other health problems. Adopting a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats can promote optimal health and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
8 Neglecting to floss
The study: Not flossing on a regular basis won’t just put you at risk for gum disease; it also puts you at risk for cardiovascular disease, which could take as many as six years from your life.
The reasoning: “The chronic, low level of inflammation [in gum disease] may be enough to bother the blood vessels and help trigger vascular disease,” said Neal Weintraub, the lead author in the study. Source: Cal Berkeley
9 taking sleeping pills
The study: Patients who were regularly prescribed sleeping pills were 4.6 times more likely to die earlier than people who did not take sleeping pills. Even users who took as few as four pills a year were 3.6 times more likely to encounter an earlier death.
The reasoning: The dangerous ingredients in these pills, which include benzodiazepines, barbiturates and sedatives.
