We live in a fast-paced world and often times that means people slip into some unhealthy habits, such as eating fast food, not getting enough sleep or not paying attention to dental hygiene. Now a report in the American Journal of Medicine indicates that following healthy habits can prevent disease. Five different studies support the theory.
Preventative Medicine for Cancer
Advertisement
Preventative medicine in nothing new, so doctors say Chinese studies linking good eating habits to preventing some forms of cancer should not surprise people. Scientists from Xian China discovered that eating fresh fish regularly reduced colorectal cancer by at least 12 per-cent. The risk reduction for rectal cancer was 21 per- cent. In looking at fish as a preventative measure, they examined no less than 41 cancer studies conducted between 1990 and 2011.
It is no secret that smoking causes cancer. It is also no secret that kicking the habit can be a real challenge for many people, but if you have the will to give it a try, it just could save your life. Medical experts at Montreal’s McGill University say that the use of smoking cessation aids like acupuncture and hypnotherapy can significantly increase the ability to cease smoking.
Food as a Preventative Measure
Although some fish has been known to have contaminants in it from water, according to Harvard Medical School, the benefits when it comes to preventative health far outweigh any of the risks involved in consuming fish that comes from a reputable supplier. Harvard research concludes that consuming fish on a regular basis can help “ward off” heart problems, mental disturbances and prostate cancer. Harvard officials go as far as to call fish a “potent” health food.
At any age our bodies depend on essential vitamins and minerals to maintain good health. As we age there is more likelihood that we will face deficiencies in vitamins and minerals. Natural supplements often become a lifeline for people who can’t seem to get all the essential vitamins and minerals through their daily diet. Recent studies show that vitamin K and selenium deficiency can actually contribute to age-related diseases, including cancer, heart disease, immune function and brain function. Once your doctor has assessed what vitamins and minerals are lacking in your body, certified nutritionists can help you determine what supplements are best.
Oral Health
A number of studies in North America have pointed out that good oral health is a good preventative step if you want to have good overall health. Now research in other parts of the world seems to support this notion. A study at Taipei Veterans General Hospital in Taiwan examined the health of over 10 thousand patients that received regular tooth scaling and another 10 thousand who did not get tooth scaling. They discovered after following the patients for about 7 years, that those who did receive tooth scaling had a lower incidence of stroke and cardiovascular disease.
Advertisement
Don’t Forget Exercise
According to the Department of Health and Human Services exercise has proven to be a good preventative tool when it comes to many chronic diseases. Getting into the habit of regular exercise and outdoor activity can reduce the risk of heart attack, high blood pressure and a long list of ailments associated with obesity.
Preventive measures or healthy living habits can take time to implement, but once you start them, they quickly become routine; a routine that could ultimately save your life.
