There are certain habits you need to stop doing if you really want to improve your overall health. Some people might think that these things are not a big deal but in the long run, these can have negative effects on our health.
Continue reading for you to find out if you are doing any of these bad habits.
Biting Your Nails
Biting your nails can cause damage to the nails, infection of the skin surrounding the nail, upper respiratory and other infections, as well as damage to your teeth or even crack a tooth. According to experts, this habit is frequently made worse by anxiety.
Chewing Gum Constantly
Some people think that chewing gum can give them fresher breath or alleviate their tension. The truth is, chewing a piece of gum all the time could put too much pressure on your jaw.
Jeannette South-Paul, MD, medical director of the community health services division of UPMC, Andrew W. Mathieson Professor and chair of the department of family medicine at the University of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences, explained that:
“The temporomandibular joint—at the top of the jaw—is a synovial joint just as seen in the knees. If you use those joints too much, you can develop arthritis, clicking, and pain.”
Holding Back Your Pee
Holding your pee for too long can cause negative effects on your health.
Asif Ansari, MD, medical director of the Montefiore Medical Group says:
“Holding it can put you at risk for bladder, kidney, and even prostate infections, especially if you have an underlying urological condition or are pregnant.”
Grant Fowler, MD, vice chair of family and community medicine at McGovern Medical School at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth) explained that:
“If you block it, the stream becomes stagnant and gives bacteria the chance to grow in the bladder, and maybe to move back upstream to your kidneys. Keeping it flowing minimizes the risk of infection.”
Staring At A Computer All Day
Computer vision syndrome is the result of staring at a computer screen for seven hours. You may experience visual issues such as eye strain and retinal damage due to an extended staring at the computer screen, according to Dr. Ansari.
Carrying A Heavy Bag On One Shoulder
Dr. South-Paul explains that carrying a big purse on one side can disturb the angle of a person’s neck and cause pressure in the nerves that come between the vertebrae in the neck and provide sensation to the arms thereby causing pain, tingling, and numbness in the shoulders and arms.
Skipping Brushing Or Flossing
Dr. Fowler says:
“Skipping teeth brushing or flossing are the biggest risks for dental decay. Poor dentition is a risk factor for many things including major, overwhelming infections and malnutrition—especially in the elderly—and also cardiovascular disease.”
According to Cleveland Clinic, the theory behind this is that bacteria can move into the bloodstream, thus creating inflammation of the blood vessels. In order to avoid this, you need to floss once a day, brush twice daily, and visit your dentist regularly.
Wearing The Wrong Shoes
Wearing high heels kill your feet. It affects the health of your feet, knees, back, and hips. It can cause bunions, Achilles tightness, sore calves, ankle sprains, weakened ligaments, and lower back pain.
Aside from this, flip-flops and other shoes without support can also damage your body as it actually changes the way you walk, thus causing problems from your feet up to your hips and lower back.
Sitting For Too Long
Sitting all day leads to an increased risk of diabetes, high blood pressure, being overweight, and experiencing depression and anxiety. Some of the tips you can follow to reduce your risks include:
- Taking a break from sitting every 30 minutes.
- Standing while talking on the phone or watching television.
- If you work at a desk, try a standing desk — or improvise with a high table or counter.
- Walking with your colleagues for meetings rather than sitting in a conference room.
