These Beliefs Can Sabotage Your Health
By Sara Butler
It’s easy to think you’re immune from things that cause illness in other people. You don’t smoke every day, so you’re not in danger of getting sick, right? Or you run around with your kids all day, so you’re not sedentary -- no way you should have problems related to a sedentary lifestyle. Well, throw out what you think you may know about your health and wellness because some of those beliefs can be sabotaging your health. Here are a few things you may want to reconsider.
Smoking Socially
Most people assume that being a sometimes smoker is OK, but the bottom line is that no amount of smoking is good for you. Studies have found that even light or intermittent smokers increase their risk of lung cancer by 500 percent. It also increases your risk of heart disease, cancer, and overall poor health. So, stay away from cigarettes all the time to stay healthy -- there’s no such thing as an unharmful smoke.
You Don’t Need 8 Hours of Sleep
If you think you can function well on just four to six hours of sleep per night, then think again. Many people regard being able to squeak by on little sleep a virtue, but the truth is that not getting enough sleep has a serious impact on your health and wellness. People who sleep fewer than seven hours at night have twice the risk of chronic diseases, such as diabetes, than those who get a full night’s rest.
For most people, 7-9 hours of sleep per night is enough to help your body rest and rejuvenate. If you’re having trouble sleeping at night, talk to a medical professional to understand why.
You Don’t Need Sunscreen
You may think that because you don’t spend hours out in the sun that you don’t need sunscreen, but that’s simply not true. Working in your garden, mowing the lawn, driving your car, or just going through the motions of daily life outside can cause your skin damage from the UV rays of the sun if you don’t take precautions. Make putting on sunblock a habit every day -- even in the winter!
You Don’t Need Exercise
Maybe you have an active job or you’re on the go all the time – that can lure you into the trap of thinking you don’t need regular exercise. Unless you’re a farmer who works out in the fields all day, you do need regular exercise to stay healthy. Try adding strength training to your schedule a few days a week along with some cardio exercises.
Don't sabotage your health by believing things that simply aren't true. If you ever have questions about your health and wellness, talk to a chiropractor at The Joint.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Sandy Springs, Ga.