Obesity, Smoking, and Hypertension

nobody@vox.com(Matt) — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 18:13:31 -0700

While browsing some of the latest news, I encountered this article about obesity, smoking, and high blood pressure as one of the leading factors that caused the decline in life expectancy among women in the US. According to the associate professor of international health at the Harvard School of Public Health, Majid Ezzati, "There is now evidence that there are large parts of the population in the United States whose health has been getting worse for about two decades." So in line with my previous posts, let me provide you with some information on how to deal with the three issues at hand.

Smoking - Smoking is the leading cause of preventable death in the US, according to the World Health Organization. Some of the diseases caused by smoking are: different cancers (especially lung cancer), cardiovascular diseases such as stroke, and respiratory illnesses like bronchitis. Smoking also causes cataracts which may lead to blindness, decline in cognitive functions, and the worst for males, impotence!

Like what the WHO categorized it as, smoking is preventable. There's really no need to smoke. If you're having trouble giving it up, read my previous post about breaking the bad habit.

Obesity - Like smoking, obesity also causes cardiovascular diseases and is a serious, growing public health problem. Obesity is caused by different factors such as genetics, but mostly because of overeating and a sedentary lifestyle (read: sitting around the whole day without exercise). Of course, knowing these, the best way to treat or prevent it is to maintain a healthy lifestyle, which includes exercise and a healthy diet. If you need tips on exercise and working out, read my earlier posts.

High Blood Pressure - Although no specific medical cause can be determined in essential hypertension, there are several contributing factors such as genetics, age, and insulin resistance among others. Although it can be treated with medication, the first step to take when treating it is exercise to improve blood flow. Less salt in your diet is also proven to be effective. Also, abstinence from smoking and drinking help in lowering blood pressure.

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Break the Bad Habit

nobody@vox.com(Matt) — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 21:09:57 -0700

Smoking

I understand smoking is a really bad habit we just can't get rid off. I had my own experiences in breaking this habit. It was hard but then I got through it, it's the willingness that would help us a lot. Just look at it this way, once you stop smoking you'll smell better, your pulse and blood pressure will go back to normal after 20 minutes of quitting, and after a whole 24 hours your carbon monoxide traces in your body will be eliminated. Here some of the things I did to help me get rid of my smoking days.

Set a Certain Date

Although some people likes to take it gradually but as I have read in some studies, people who tried to stop smoking gradually actually ends up smoking more. So what would be better is to stop totally once you hit the date you set for yourself.

Don't be Scared to Ask for Help

Family and friends are always there for you when you need help. Try to prevent going to places that would remind you or provoke from smoking like going out in a bar or going to the coffee shop. If you are used to smoke while sipping a cup of coffee then change the routine for at least a week. Try drinking fruit juice for a change.

Throw away your Lighters, Ashtrays, and All Cigarette related stuff

Get rid off the things that would remind you of smoking. Once you see those things you will start to crave and you'll end up smoking again.

Withdrawal Symptoms can be a Pain

Get ready for the withdrawal symptoms, when I stopped smoking I had nausea, anxiety, headaches, craving, depression, and irritability. All these are caused by the lack of nicotine in our body. You will feel the peak of these symptoms after 12 to 24 hours after quitting and slowly ease in 2 to 4 weeks.

Do it One Day at a Time

Track the day when you quit smoking, mark your calendar to let yourself see the accomplishment you've done. It will help you motivate yourself and this will help a lot!

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Obesity, Smoking, and Hypertension

Break the Bad Habit