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A2 Negative Lifestyle Factors Typeit
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'Lifestyle choice' is a term used to refer to how a person chooses to live their life. It is important that individuals opt for positive lifestyle factors over those that are negative. For example, this could include exercising and eating a balanced diet rather than being sedentary and making poor nutritional choices. Let's touch upon some of the negative lifestyle factors and how these can impact health and well-being.
Smoking thickens the blood, placing added stress on artery walls and increasing the risk of developing (CHD). It is also heavily correlated with developing , characterised by the abnormal growth of cells on tissues and organs, affecting their function. As smoking involves inhalation of tobacco, this can lead to disease and the development – characterised by inflammation of the bronchi, which is exacerbated by forceful coughing. Smoking also has an effect exclusive to women, increasing their risk of .
Excessive alcohol consumption can be detrimental to functioning of the , leading to a condition known as cirrhosis, in which healthy tissue is replaced by scar tissue. It can also be responsible for elevating blood pressure, known as alcohol-induced , with one of the proposed mechanisms being an increase in cortisol. Furthermore, alcohol can cause an irregular heart beat, which in turn can cause blood clots. If these clots move to the brain, it can cause a . Alcohol is also a depressant, which affects your brain's natural happiness, meaning it gives a boost when drinking it, but can lead to anxiety and depression when this wears off, which is why many individuals develop alcohol .
Physical activity is good for relieving tension, allowing excess stress from everyday life to be more effectively managed. If there is no release offered through physical activity, excess stress persists, which leads to a blood pressure (hypertension). This can have various health risks associated with the important arteries in the body, such as the carotid arteries supplying the brain, increasing the risk of , and the coronary arteries supplying the heart, inducing intense chest pain, and – with a severe lack of blood supply – a heart attack. Chronic stress can also cause stomach ulcers and be a factor in causing depression.
It is important to lead a physically active lifestyle where possible throughout the day. For example, having an active commute to and from work/school by choosing to walk or cycle rather than taking the bus, choosing to be active at lunchtime over sitting and eating, and doing house chores in the evening instead of watching TV are all examples of alternative activities that promote an active lifestyle rather than one which is known as a lifestyle. There are many health risks associated with inactivity, such as (BMI of >30 kg/m2), a decrease in bone mineral density and type 2 diabetes, as well as impacts on social health (e.g. low self-esteem and loneliness) and psychological health (e.g. depression and anxiety).
Finally, it is advised to get at least 7–9 hours sleep a night. A lack of could lead to overeating, as tired people tend to eat more calories to compensate for lack of sleep and energy, which can then lead to weight gain and obesity. It is also associated with psychological health issues, such as depression, which in turn can lead to lack of sleep, resulting in a vicious circle.