While everyone wants to stay healthy, it can be easy to overlook some health risks that are less than obvious. Most people are familiar with the dangers of smoking, obesity and lack of exercise, for example (even if they don’t always put that knowledge to good use!) but there are some dangers that people tend to underestimate. Let’s look at three of these health risks.
Dental Issues
Research is showing more and more that dental health is closely related to one’s overall health. Many adults only visit the dentist when they have a serious problem, such as a toothache. It’s important, however, to get regular checkups to find out if you have problems such as cavities or gum disease.
One man, for example, recently went to his dentist for a check-up and found that he had severe gum disease even though he wasn’t experiencing any noticeable discomfort. Research has pointed to a link between gum disease and heart problems. Similarly, according to a dentist in Birmingham, untreated cavities can eventually cause infections that can spread throughout the body. That’s why it’s so important to go to the dentist regularly.
Cold Weather
Unless you live in a warm climate, you can’t avoid winter weather. Did you know, however, that problems like heart attacks and even high blood pressure tend to get worst in the winter? This is even true in temperate climates. Even a drop of several degrees restricts the arteries. This is a more serious threat for older people, but can affect anyone.
For this reason, you should pay special attention to your health in the winter. Make sure you’re eating right, and get regular exercise. Older people should try to avoid being alone and make sure they have a support network if they need help. Additionally, don’t over exert yourself in winter when shovelling snow or doing any type of physical activity.
Vitamin D Deficiency
Nutritionists and medical researchers are finding that Vitamin D may be more important than previously thought. While the dangers of sun exposure are well known, if you avoid the sun completely you are more likely to become deficient in this important vitamin.
Low levels of Vitamin D have been linked to heart problems, stroke and dementia. You can get more of this vitamin by spending some time each day outdoors (without overdoing it, of course). You can also take a Vitamin D supplement.
While everyone wants to stay healthy, it can be easy to overlook some health risks that are less than obvious. Most people are familiar with the dangers of smoking, obesity and lack of exercise, for example (even if they don’t always put that knowledge to good use!) but there are some dangers that people tend to underestimate. Let’s look at three of these health risks.
Dental Issues
Research is showing more and more that dental health is closely related to one’s overall health. Many adults only visit the dentist when they have a serious problem, such as a toothache. It’s important, however, to get regular checkups to find out if you have problems such as cavities or gum disease.
One man, for example, recently went to his dentist for a check-up and found that he had severe gum disease even though he wasn’t experiencing any noticeable discomfort. Research has pointed to a link between gum disease and heart problems. Similarly, according to a dentist in Birmingham, untreated cavities can eventually cause infections that can spread throughout the body. That’s why it’s so important to go to the dentist regularly.
Cold Weather
Unless you live in a warm climate, you can’t avoid winter weather. Did you know, however, that problems like heart attacks and even high blood pressure tend to get worst in the winter? This is even true in temperate climates. Even a drop of several degrees restricts the arteries. This is a more serious threat for older people, but can affect anyone.
For this reason, you should pay special attention to your health in the winter. Make sure you’re eating right, and get regular exercise. Older people should try to avoid being alone and make sure they have a support network if they need help. Additionally, don’t over exert yourself in winter when shovelling snow or doing any type of physical activity.
Vitamin D Deficiency
Nutritionists and medical researchers are finding that Vitamin D may be more important than previously thought. While the dangers of sun exposure are well known, if you avoid the sun completely you are more likely to become deficient in this important vitamin.
Low levels of Vitamin D have been linked to heart problems, stroke and dementia. You can get more of this vitamin by spending some time each day outdoors (without overdoing it, of course). You can also take a Vitamin D supplement.