B2 Lifestyle indicators Typeit

Smoking
The active substance in cigarettes () makes them highly addictive, meaning that smokers find it very hard to give up or reduce the amount of cigarettes they smoke. Even ‘light’ smoking carries risks, as does inhaling ‘-hand smoke’ (other people’s cigarette smoke).

Smoking has been linked to many different cancers (e.g. lung, stomach, cervical) – it has been suggested that smoking can cause cancer because smoking alters DNA. Smoking cigarettes also carries other major health risks, including an impact on your circulatory and respiratory systems, high pressure, and cosmetic effects, such as premature ageing of the – you will look older much more quickly if you smoke. Smoking has also been linked to infertility, for both men and women.

The UK's Chief Medical Officer provides guidance on how to help smoker's quit, such as accessing the appropriate NHS services and the use of aids such as  and replacement therapy.

Alcohol consumption
Alcohol is produced by fermenting ingredients such as grains and fruits, which produces an intoxicating effect when consumed. Common alcoholic beverages include wine, beer, and spirits, e.g. vodka and rum (which are very strong). Some people consume alcohol socially, and in moderation, or at low levels of consumption, alcohol carries lower health risks for many people. The UK's Chief Medical Officer has provided recommendations on low-risk levels of alcohol consumption – for both men and women, alcohol consumption should not exceed 14 per week regularly and should be spread across at least three days.

However, too many people abuse alcohol in some way, which can be detrimental to health and wellbeing. For example, drinking too much alcohol can cause liver disease, and over the long term can result in ‘’ – damage to the liver cells which results in inflammation and scarring, which may be permanent.

Physical activity
Many UK adults spend too much time sitting or lying down, and do not do enough physical activity throughout the day. The UK government’s Chief Medical Officer gives the following exercise recommendations for different age groups:

• Children and young people (5–18): At least minutes of moderate to vigorous activity spread across the day (up to several hours), and also spread across the week. This should incorporate activities that develop movement skills and build bone and muscle .
• Adults (19–64) and older adults (65+): At least minutes of exercise per week that should be done to a moderate intensity and spread out across the week to minimise sedentary activity. They should also take part in activities that build strength on at least days per week. Older adults should take part in activities that improve to help protect against falls, e.g. bowls or dance.

Living an inactive lifestyle is a major preventable cause of death, and poses numerous health risks, such as coronary disease and diabetes. Physical inactivity can also result in back and neck pain and a decline in muscle strength. Being inactive for long periods of time also causes weight gain by negatively impacting the efficiency of your .