There are a number of benefits to being mindful of your health, as being health-conscious can save you a lot of money and headache down the line. However, there might be some health concerns that you might not be aware of that may warrant extra consideration.
Furthermore, some health conditions can carry a lot of societal stigmas, preventing people from seeking out care for those concerns. In turn, people are less likely to go to doctors to get diagnosed when they have these conditions.
Many of these conditions can be a result of genetics and an unhealthy lifestyle. Sadly, they tend to usually get ignored until it develops into something worse. Today, we are listing down five health concerns that you should be aware of — and how you can help avoid them, as well.
Cardiovascular Diseases (CVDs)
Tragically, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) rank as the number one cause of death around the world, and a large percentage of these deaths are due to stroke and heart attack. Factors for CVDs can vary. For instance, it can either be due to dietary or lifestyle habits, environmental factors, or genetics.
Unhealthy behaviors are generally the biggest culprits for heart disease. It is best to avoid physical inactivity, unhealthy diet, and tobacco and alcohol use to prevent CVDs. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and avoiding unhealthy substances can help optimize your health.
Some cases of CVDs can be due to no blame of the person at all, but rather, just unfortunate luck. For example, those who have familial (genetic) CVD may develop it, regardless of lifestyle and diet. Early screening and avoiding unhealthy behaviors, though, can help aid in preventing it.
Micronutrient Deficiency
When asked about malnutrition, you might picture an underweight child. What you might not know is that malnutrition can manifest in different ways, and even overweight people can also suffer from malnutrition.
The primary classifications for malnutrition are undernutrition and overnutrition. Undernutrition is when there are not enough calories and micronutrients for the body. One form of undernutrition that may not be not so obvious is micronutrient deficiency. You might not realize it when you have it, especially if you are of average weight and have easy access to food.
A low variety of food in your diet, such as one with lots of processed foods, can result in undernutrition. Symptoms of undernutrition can vary, like in the case of Vitamin B deficiency. If left untreated, micronutrient deficiency can progress to life-threatening major illnesses.
Obesity and Overweight
Another type of poor nutrition that you should know is overnutrition. Being overweight or obese are forms of overnutrition. Sadly, this condition is quite common, and the WHO has reported that 1.9 million adults are overweight and 650 million are obese.
Overeating occasionally can be understandable. When life gets hectic, it’s usually easier to go for unhealthy foods and skip exercising in favor of quick energy and comfort. That said, it is far better to be conscious of your lifestyle in the long run, as obesity is generally associated with poor mental health and decreased life quality.
People who are overweight and obese are also at increased risk for developing life-threatening conditions. By adopting a healthy lifestyle, you can prevent diseases that may arise from overnutrition, in turn helping you to lead a better, healthier life.
Sexually Transmitted Illnesses (STIs)
Sexually transmitted infections (or STIs) are usually acquired through sexual contact. This is not the only way to develop an STI, though. There are also other transmission pathways, such as blood transfusion or through sharing needles.
The chief causes for STIs include infections from bacteria, parasites, and viruses. Symptoms can vary, depending largely on the cause of the infection. Common signs that you can easily observe include bumps or lesions on the genitals, changes in smell, oddly colored discharge, and pain during sex.
Many groups are currently putting effort into increasing awareness about STIs, yet STIs remain stigmatized, especially amongst vulnerable demographics. Those that are most at higher risk are sexually active adolescents and young adults.
Embarrassment and lack of testing access can discourage people from getting tested. To solve this, some universal screening centers provide easy access for at-risk groups to help decrease transmission.
Mental Health
Many adults tend to overlook their mental health. When life’s stressors seem to compound, it can be challenging to take a step back and breathe for a moment. It’s absolutely understandable how this can happen, as the gap in mental healthcare is unfortunately high.
Mental health is one of the most significant aspects of a person’s well-being. Stigma against mental health illnesses is particularly common, especially in some cultures where it can be met with shame or ridicule. This can severely impair a person’s quality of life, depriving them of many of the basic pleasures of living.
Having a good state of mental well-being can affect how you take care of yourself physically. It can also affect your relationship with other people. Taking care of your mental health may be difficult if you have other concerns to attend to, but you should know that you are worthy of compassionate care and not feel embarrassed for asking for help.
Are You In Good Health?
Despite being nothing more than medical conditions that warrant the same quality of care as any other health concern, many people still refuse to seek out treatment for these conditions out of misguided shame or embarrassment. In turn, they may suffer in silence for far too long… perhaps even until it’s too late.
Being aware of your own physical and mental health issues will help you address the root factors of these conditions. It’s extremely important to schedule an appointment with your doctor if you happen to suspect you may have any of these health concerns. Ultimately, you should always consider your health as an investment in yourself — and remember that staying healthy will help ensure a longer, happier, and healthier life.
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