Sometimes the simple mistakes you make can impact your health significantly however harmless they may seem at first. Here is a list of common errors that majority of us are guilty of committing and some advice on how you can avoid them. Some of them arise out of the “health advice” you may have been receiving for years without realizing that it could be doing more harm than good.
1. Not flossing
Most people never floss because they mistakenly believe that brushing is enough. Brushing alone won’t remove the plaque between your teeth. A tooth has five surfaces. If you do not floss you leaves at least two surfaces unclean. You should make flossing a key part of your oral hygiene.
2. Keeping your windows down while driving
Studies have shown that driving with your windows down could expose you to the harmful pollutants that cars emit. Instead, you should keep your windows open for a while before setting off to let some fresh air in.
3. Eating a low-fat diet
Granted, you should avoid fats from highly processed sources like hydrogenated vegetable oils. However, you shouldn’t avoid all fats. Indeed, there are many healthy fats that should be in your diet. For example, omega-3 fats are crucial for brain function.
4. Drinking sugar-free drinks
It’s advisable to avoid drinks with a lot of sugar. But drinking zero calorie or sugar-free drinks isn’t always healthy either. Although they may contain no sugar, many diet sodas still contain preservatives, sweeteners and artificial dyes that are dangerous for your health.
5. Excessive high-intensity cardio
The more you exercise the better, right? Well, not necessarily. While some cardiovascular exercises might be helpful, too much of it can tear your muscles and damage your heart. You should do 10-30 minutes of cardio in a day.
6. Contact lens mistakes
Contact lenses are convenient: They eliminate the need for wearing thick glasses, which may not be aesthetically pleasing. However, you should handle them with care and attentiveness. Failure to do so may lead to contamination or even permanent visual impairment. Some of the mistakes people with contact lenses make include:
• Leaving them on for too long – you should take your lenses out once in a while so your eyes can rest. “Your corneas can swell if your eyeballs don’t get enough oxygen thus resulting in corneal abrasion,” warns eye care expert Paul Jones from LensesOnline.
• Sleeping in them – take your contacts out before sleeping. Sleeping in contacts cuts off the oxygen supply to the cornea which could lead to damage. That will also lead to abrasion.
• Not replacing them – follow the replacement schedule prescribed by the doctor to avoid infections.
• Getting into the water with them – take the lenses out before getting into the shower or swimming pool. The water may contain bacteria which could affect your eyes.
• Handling them with dirty hands – wash your hands before touching the contacts to avoid transferring bacteria to them.
• Not cleaning them daily – Clean the contacts daily to remove any bacteria, protein or debris that may accumulate.
7. Counting calories
Consuming too many calories can expand your waistline. However, not all calories are created equal. For instance, 200 calories from vegetables will nourish your body more than 200 calories from sugary, processed junk food.
8. Stopping medication suddenly
Most people stop taking medication when they start feeling better. But doing this can cause the illness to come back. You should stop taking medication only if your doctor tells you so.
9. Skipping breakfast
Around 18% of men and 13% of women skip breakfast. Skipping breakfast can increase the risk for diabetes and lead to obesity. You should start every morning with a healthy breakfast. It will improve your metabolism and improve your concentration during the day.
10. Worrying constantly
A little stress may help to keep you away from danger, but endless worrying may impact your health negatively. It can lead to headaches, increased blood pressure and sleep deprivation. Always focus on fixing the problem rather than worrying yourself about it.
Most bad health habits don’t necessarily look bad. But they may cause significant damage when done continuously over time. If you care about your health, you should avoid making any of these mistakes highlighted here. With just a few adjustments to your daily routine, you could potentially save your life or change it for the better.