- Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death in adults, and risk factors include age, lifestyle habits, and obesity.
- Cancer is another leading cause of death in adults, and risk factors include age, smoking, and drinking alcohol excessively.
- Gum disease is common among adults, and poor oral hygiene is the most common cause.
- Diabetes affects over 30 million people in the US, and risk factors include being overweight or obese or genetics.
- Mental illness is common and can be caused by genetics, traumatic experiences, and chronic stress.
Health is a significant concern for many adults. As you age, your body changes, and your health can be affected by external factors like stress, environmental changes, and lifestyle habits. It’s essential to know the most common health concerns among adults to understand better how to take preventative measures. Here are five health concerns that experts say should be addressed.
Heart Disease
Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death in adults. The National Institute of Health (NIH) estimates that half of all Americans have at least one risk factor for heart diseases, such as high cholesterol or high blood pressure.
Moreover, obesity poses a serious risk to heart health; the CDC states that over 40% of American adults are classified as obese. The best way to reduce your risk for heart disease is to maintain a healthy weight, eat a balanced diet, exercise regularly, and quit smoking if you smoke.
Cancer
Cancer is another leading cause of death in adults; according to the American Cancer Society (ACS), there are over 1 million new cases every year in the United States alone. While there are many types of cancer, some common risk factors include age and lifestyle choices such as smoking and drinking alcohol excessively. The best way to reduce your risk is to make wise lifestyle choices and get regular checkups with your doctor so that any signs of cancer can be caught early on.
Gum Disease
Gum disease is one of the most common dental problems among adults, and it can quickly become a serious problem if left untreated. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), gum disease can lead to tooth loss, and poor oral hygiene is the most common cause.
Sadly, neglected gum disease is often easily detected by a dentist but can be more challenging to treat. To avoid this, it’s essential to visit your dentist’s office every six months for regular checkups and cleanings and brush your teeth at least twice a day.
Diabetes
Diabetes affects over 30 million people in the United States alone; it’s estimated that nearly 10% of all American adults have diabetes or pre-diabetes. Risk factors include being overweight or obese; having a family history of diabetes; not getting enough physical activity; eating an unhealthy diet; being over 45 years old; or having high blood pressure or cholesterol levels.
The best way to reduce your risk is to maintain a healthy weight through diet and exercise, avoid sugary drinks, get regular checkups with your doctor, and monitor your blood sugar regularly if you have been diagnosed with diabetes or pre-diabetes.
Mental Illness
Mental illness affects millions worldwide; according to the World Health Organization (WHO), one in four people will experience mental illness at some point in their lives. Risk factors vary but can include genetics; traumatic experiences such as abuse or neglect; chronic stress due to work or personal life issues; substance abuse issues; medical conditions such as thyroid problems or hormone imbalances; physical illnesses such as stroke or head injury; and certain medications that affect brain chemistry can also increase one’s risk for mental illness.
Leading a Healthy Life
The good news is that there are ways to reduce your risk for many of these health concerns. The key is to strive for a healthy lifestyle, but how do you do that? Read below.
Regular exercise and physical activity
Exercising regularly helps you stay in shape and maintain a healthy weight, reducing your risk for heart disease, diabetes, and other medical conditions. Aim to get 30 minutes of moderate exercise daily — or at least three days a week.
Eating healthy
Eating a balanced diet is essential for your overall health. Choose whole grains, fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, low-fat dairy products, and healthy fats such as olive oil. Avoid processed foods, sugary drinks, and saturated fats.
Reducing stress
Stress can hurt your physical and mental health; it’s essential to find ways to reduce it. Try relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or yoga, get regular sleep, and take breaks when needed.
Seeing your doctor regularly
It’s crucial to stay on top of your health by going for regular checkups with your doctor. This can help identify any potential issues before they become serious problems down the line.
Final Thoughts
Knowing how these risks affect you and how you can manage them is essential information for any adult looking towards their future health goals. Whether it’s heart disease, cancer, diabetes, or mental illness, preventing or managing these conditions requires effort and commitment. Talk to your healthcare provider today about how you can reduce your risks and stay healthy.
