Smokers Drinkers and Those Who are Obese Get Fit Now
If you have a lifestyle in which smoking, drinking or being obese is in the picture for you than be aware that you need to get fit now if you intend to enjoy life later on. Smoking, drinking and being obese can have devastating affects on your health.
Those who are obese in which you have an increased amount of body fat which is typically assessed by the body-mass index (BMI) and calculated as weight in kilograms divided by your height in meters squared. A normal BMI is between 18.5 and 24.9 and individuals are considered to be overweight if they have a BMI of 25 to 29.9 and are considered to be obese if they have a BMI of 30 or more.
A high BMI is associated with an increased mortality rate as well as an increased risk for cardiac disease, diabetes, and osteoarthritis as well as for certain types of cancer and hypertension.
If you consume too much alcohol it can lead to serious health issues such as liver disease, high blood pressure, high blood fats, cardiac failure, certain cancer risks, as well as risk for injury, violence, and death. If you are pregnant drinking alcoholic beverages can lead to fetal alcohol syndrome. Drinking too much also increases your caloric intake, which can lead to being overweight or being obese which are health issues too.
At special risk for alcohol related health issues are those who are pregnant, or breastfeeding and those who are at risk for breast cancer, or have family histories of alcohol abuse, are children or teens, or are taking medications that may interact in an adverse way with alcohol. Other individuals who may experience adverse reactions to alcohol consumption are those who have health issues such as liver problems or have ulcers, or require skill or coordination to perform a task (alcohol may impair these abilities).
Smoking is the most common cause of preventable death. Approximately 430,000 people die each year as a direct result of a smoking related disease. The American Lung Association says that 87% of lung cancers are caused by cigarette smoking, as well as smoking leads to emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Cigarettes have over 19 known cancer-causing chemicals in them in addition to the chemical nicotine. Nicotine is a stimulant that causes an addition, irritation, agitation and overall feelings of anxiety in those who smoke. Nicotine can also cause a loss of concentration, sleep disturbances, coughing, cravings, and also headaches. Studies have shown that the nicotine in cigarettes is more addictive than cocaine or heroin. Nicotine can also suppress your appetite. The drug nicotine is lethal in high doses. Long-term smokers are at high risk for cancers including cancer of the mouth, nose, lung, voice box, lip, tongue, nasal sinus, esophagus, pancreas, bone marrow, kidney, cervix, liver, bladder and also the stomach. Smoking can damage your heart and your lungs. You can suffer a heart attack or have a stroke because of your smoking habit. Smoking contributes to high blood pressure, arteriosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries.
If you are a smoker, or you drink alcohol or are obese speak with your doctor about ways to quit smoking, drinking alcohol or overeating. Your doctor can help you to devise a way to get fit and stay fit.
