We face risks to our health all the time. Not that we’re being overdramatic. Besides the sudden illnesses and injuries, there are also those that are a lot slower acting. Risks that can build up over time and become dangerous if we ignore them. Below, we’re going to look at some of the most common health risks that can sneak up on you. Read on and ignore them at your own peril.
1. Back pain
Complications related to back pain are perhaps the most common physical ailment that can build up over time. Sometimes caused by sports injuries, accidents or simply bad posture. They can be exacerbated by working conditions like sitting at a desk all day. It’s important to have your back examined if it starts getting overly painful. There are some causes that might require the attention of specialists like a scoliosis doctor, too.
2. Addiction
It may seem like another overdramatic point, but addiction affects a lot of us. Not necessarily to the extent we might image. Addictions to junk food and smoking have health risks that are just as dangerous and potentially fatal in the long term as drug use. Whatever your bad habit is, there are steps to reduce your reliance on it and even cut it out entirely.
3. Workout injury
Even if you’re good about focusing on your work, that doesn’t mean you’re safe from potential injury. In fact, a lot of physical injuries not caused by accidents happen due to exercise or sports. There are some that happen by sheer bad luck. Others can have their risk reduced by ensuring that you stretch well and have sufficient rest to recover after an intense workout.
4. Heart disease
One of the most diseases that we develop as life goes on and one of the most commonly fatal diseases, as well. Heart disease is brought on mostly by a whole range of different factors. Some we have control over, such as our diet and exercise. Others, such as hereditary risk, are much less in our control. It’s important to do what we can to fight the risk while we can. It’s also important to make sure we don’t ignore certain symptoms like chest pains or shortness of breath.
5. Stress
Mental disorders can be every bit as prevalent and dangerous to our health as the ones in the other parts of the body. Stress not only leads to higher chances of heart disease and blood pressure problems. It can also lead to destructive and even suicidal behavior. We all have ways to deal with our own stress, but if yours don’t work anymore, you need to consider medical options.
6. Diabetes
Another disease that is growing more common, diabetes is often caused by a poor diet and lack of exercise. The Diabetes Prevention Program states that even those high at risk can wholly prevent it. Sometimes by simply losing 5-7 percent of their body weight through exercise and diet. While this may not be a guarantee, it’s worth fighting the risk of a life-long disease.