Fitness Club

Men and women around the world today are waking up to the fact that they have to take responsibility for their own health. Even though there are many illnesses and diseases that you can contract because of environment or from contact with people, keeping yourself healthy is a good way to lower the risk of contracting an illness or fatal disease. Here are four health issues that you should know about:

• Cardiovascular diseases: This is the No. 1 cause of death and each year at least 12 million people die because of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). There are many kinds of CVDs, including strokes, valvular heart disease, coronary heart disease and rheumatic heart disease/fever. There are many factors that contribute to you being in the high-risk group, among them diabetes, high cholesterol and blood pressure, obesity, a sedentary lifestyle and stress. Many of these can be controlled by medication and a major change in lifestyle. Some factors cannot really be controlled, like old age and if the heart condition is hereditary. However, by eliminating as many risk factors as possible and managing those you cannot the best way possible, you can lower your risk of suffering from heart diseases.

• Diabetes: Diabetes has become a very real problem among men and women today. It occurs when your body is not able to produce enough insulin, the hormone which helps break down sugar in the blood into energy. Type 1 diabetes is when the pancreas breaks down and stops producing insulin. Type 2 diabetes is when the body cannot use the insulin produced to convert sugar into energy, hence blood sugar levels rise. Most people suffer from Type 2 diabetes. A history of diabetes in your family puts you in a high risk group so you need to take extra care. Other factors include ageing, obesity and stress, a diet high in sugar and carbohydrates and pancreatic ailments.

• Anxiety disorders and depression: Some people worry about little things more than others and this can take a toll on them. Those who cannot handle stressful moments end up suffering from anxiety that can lead to heart problems, cancer and diabetes. People suffering from long bouts of depression also run the risk of ending up with debilitating health problems.

• Cancer: This is one disease men and women are most anxious about. It is a disease that can caused by cigarette smoking, obesity, bad eating habits, a sedentary lifestyle, radiation and other environmental toxins and contaminants. The latter can affect and heighten abnormalities genetically in cells. These abnormalities are mostly acquired but some can be hereditary though that accounts for a very small percentage.

These are just a few health issues you need to take seriously. Most illnesses today are treatable and with a healthy lifestyle you can have a long and fulfilling life. Stay away from smoking, alcohol and stressful situations and make it a habit to get an annual medical check-up as a preventative measure.

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