How to Stay Healthy (Besides Diet and Exercise)

Many people are meticulous about their diet and exercise program. However, health is about more than diet and exercise. There are a few other things that you will need to do in order to stay healthy. The following is a brief breakdown of what it takes to stay healthy in addition to eating right and working out:

Stay Free of Drug Addiction
A drug addiction can ruin your health even if you are eating right and exercising. People who continually use hard drugs like cocaine or heroin will eventually develop a tolerance to them. They will have to keep using more of it in order to get the desired effects from it. This eventually leads to an addiction.

If a person attempts to stop using the drug, then they will develop withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms are often so severe that a drug detox center for men and women is designed specifically to help those get through withdrawal and recovery. Furthermore, an addiction can have a number of negative effects on physical health. High blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, seizures and lung damage are some of the health problems that can result from an addiction.

It is important to remember that drugs can also affect every other aspect of your life. People who have an addiction often find themselves neglecting their responsibilities. They may also have problems in their friendships and relationships. Additionally, they are more likely to commit crimes.

Steer Clear of Risky Behaviors
Many healthy people unintentionally cut their lives short by engaging in risky behaviors. Riding in a car without a seatbelt is an example of a risky behavior. In the U.S. state of Pennsylvania, the sixth largest state in the union, nearly half of those killed in car crashes were not wearing a seatbelt at the time of impact according to data collected in 2014.

Drinking and driving is another risky behavior. It is estimated that alcohol plays a role in about 30 percent of fatal car accidents. Texting and driving, riding a bike without a helmet, fighting and unprotected sex are other examples of risky behavior. Any behavior that puts you at risk for getting injured is considered dangerous.

Managing Stress
It is nearly impossible to live a life that is completely stress-free. All stress is not bad. In fact, small amounts of it can be helpful. However, too much stress can be harmful to your health.

Studies have shown that chronic stress can weaken the immune system. This can put you at risk for developing infectious illnesses such as the flu. It can also increase your risk of developing cancer.

Chronic stress can also cause your blood pressure to rise. If your blood pressure is chronically-high, then this can put you at risk for developing heart disease. It can also lead to kidney problems.

Furthermore, studies have shown that people who are stressed are less likely to eat healthy and exercise regularly. There are many ways that you can keep your stress level under control. You can try to reduce the number of activities that you have on your schedule. You can also ask for help if you are feeling overwhelmed. Additionally, talking to someone about the way that you are feeling can help you manage your stress.

While proper diet and exercise are key to good health, they aren’t the only factors at play. The way we live life – specifically with or without drugs, recklessness, and stress – can and will play a major role in our health and well being going forward.