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It is imperative to understand the personal factors that increase the risk of contracting certain diseases; hence work on reducing such risk factors. Different conditions have specific risk factors while some of the risk factors cut across a wide range of conditions. The paper analysis some of the most crucial aspects of reducing personal risk factors, through a living healthy.
According to an article on healthy living posted in familydoctor.org, 2013, lifestyle modification can help reduce almost three quarters of the known human conditions. According to American Heart Association, 2013, habits such as smoking, alcohol intake, junk food eating habits, and too busy to exercise are principle contributors of cardiovascular diseases. Healthy diet comprises of right amount and proportion of the three food categories; proteins, carbohydrates, and vitamins plus roughage and water. Poor choice of diet can terminate to ample conditions. Ideally, a healthy human being should take six to ten glasses of water. This will help in the elimination of waste and transportation of nutrients and wastes in the body saving organs such as the kidney, liver, skin, and the heart among others. Roughages are vital in enhancing excreta elimination, and vitamin K production among other benefits. Lipids should be taken carefully especially animal fats, which are high in saturated fats, the bad cholesterol, and can trans-fats when overheated. The three fat categories increase risk of cardiovascular conditions, cancers, obesity, and diabetes (Moore, Kimble, & Minick, 2010). Healthy living emphasizes on taking plants lipids and in small quantities since lipids are essential in vitamins transportation and storage.
Animal protein especially red meat is linked with increased risk of cancer, kidney problems due to a high concentration of urea (Turner, 2009). However, adequate protein preferable from plants is essential in maintaining body processes, growth and tissue repair. Excessive intake of carbohydrates and junk food increases risk of overweight and obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular conditions among others. Therefore, they should be taken at a regulated rate. Fruits and vegetables should be increased in servings since they provide vitamins and antioxidants compounds in the body. The two components are significant in the prevention of diseases; hence living a healthy life.
Regular exercises are vital in a healthy living program. This reduces cholesterol build, increases burning of stored energy, increases body cells insulin sensitivity, enhances lungs' capacity, and blood circulation. These merits reduce risk for obesity, diabetes, hypertension, stroke, and other cardiovascular conditions. Reducing exposure to chemicals such as smoke, corrosives, sprays, and fumes can reduce the risk of acquiring respiratory and skin conditions (World Health Organization, 2002). This goes hand in hand with minimizing exposure to radiations such as harmful rays. Therefore, habits such as smoking and alcohol should be abstained or controlled. Protective clothing should be of optimal advocacy when working in chemical and radiation emitting workplaces.
Moreover, healthy living involves adopting a health seeking behavior with or without sign and symptoms of a condition (Turner, 2009). This will result to early diagnosis and intervention; thus, reducing severity of the condition. Screening services should be highly recommended. Those with conditions requiring medication compliance, frequent check-up and modification of living should heed the doctor’s advice. In addition, weight management, regular blood pressure check-up and blood sugar monitoring are also critical in a healthy living (World Health Organization, 2002). Such measures reduce the risk of contracting a number of conditions.
In conclusion, factors to consider in reducing personal risk to conditions include a healthy diet, regular exercises, minimizing chemicals and radiations exposure, and appropriate dressing. In addition, issues of healthy seeking behavior, screening activities, and self-protection are all crucial in promoting a healthy life.
American Heart Association. (2013). Lifestyle changes for a good health. American Heart Association. Retrieved February 28, 2014 https://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/HeartAttack/PreventionTreatmentofHear tAttack/Lifestyle-Changes_UCM_303934_Article.jsp
Familydoctor.org Editorial Staff. (2013). Healthy living: how common behaviours affect your health. Family Doctor. Retrieved February 28, 2014 http://familydoctor.org/familydoctor/en/prevention-wellness/staying-healthy/healthy- living/healthy-living-how-common-behaviors-affect-your-health.printerview.html
Moore, L., Kimble, L. & Minick, P. (2010). Perceptions of cardiac risk factors and risk reduction behaviors in women with known coronary heart disease. The Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing. 25(6):433-443.
Turner, M. (2009). 43 ways to live healthier for less money. The Health Magazine. Retrieved February 28, 2014. http://www.health.com/health/article/0,,20411572,00.html
World Health Organization. (2002). The World Health Report 2002: Reducing Risks, Promoting Healthy Life. Geneva. World Health Organization.