It’s easy to feel invincible when we’re young, but our choices today directly impact our future health. What seems harmless now – like a tan or a late night – can lead to long-term consequences. Fortunately, we can take steps to prevent common health issues that arise as we age.
Doctors highlight unhealthy habits we should break and healthy ones to adopt. Dr. Gary Deng, medical director of integrative medicine at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, explains that common complaints in later years include decreased stamina, weight gain, and early signs of diseases like diabetes and cardiovascular issues.
Unhealthy Habits to Stop:
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Unhealthy diet and alcohol abuse:
Dr. Deng compares these habits to damaging your car’s engine. They accelerate aging and increase the risk of chronic illnesses.*
Sedentary lifestyle:
Spending too much time sitting increases the risk of obesity, diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular disease. Simple solutions include walking to work, taking breaks to move, and opting for stairs instead of elevators.*
Smoking and vaping:
These habits are major contributors to lung cancer and cardiovascular diseases.*
Skipping sunscreen:
Dr. Diane Madfes, assistant professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai School of Medicine, emphasizes daily sun protection. UV rays damage our skin cells and contribute to premature aging.*
Picking your skin:
Avoid picking at blemishes or pimples as it increases skin damage.*
Not removing makeup:
Wash your face before bed to minimize oxidative stress and free radical damage.*
Fast-paced stressful life:
High levels of adrenaline can lead to chronic anxiety, insomnia, fatigue, depression, high blood pressure, overeating, substance abuse, and burnout.*
Not getting enough sleep:
Aim for at least 7 hours of sleep per night. Lack of sleep can cause premature aging, increase the risk of obesity, and contribute to chronic pain and dementia.Healthy Habits to Incorporate:
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Take a multivitamin:
Studies show that multivitamin use can slow brain aging and reduce dementia risk.*
Limit alcohol intake:
Moderate alcohol consumption is key for overall health.*
Eat a healthy diet:
Focus on dark leafy greens, berries, whole grains, beans, nuts, fish, and healthy fats.*
Reduce stress:
Practice gratitude, enjoy hobbies, and engage in stress reduction techniques like meditation or yoga.*
Exercise regularly:
Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week.*
Go to sleep earlier:
Sleep regenerates our skin and helps produce collagen, improving its appearance and reducing wrinkles.Remember to schedule annual checkups with your doctor and address any concerns. By making small changes to our lifestyle, we can significantly reduce our risk of developing common health issues as we age and build a foundation for a healthier future.
