Death—and sometimes disease— is inevitable for all humans, but lifestyle changes may prevent some diseases. Day in and Day out, people worldwide die from diseases that may have been avoidable. 

This article covers lifestyle and diet modifications that may help reduce the chances of these health diseases and deaths resulting from them.

Why are these lifestyle changes important?

The World Health Organization's research in 2019 reveals that the leading causes of death and disability worldwide are coronary artery disease (CAD), ischemic stroke, diabetes, some specific cancers, and several other non-communicable diseases. 

Some factors that lead to these non-communicable diseases are known to be modifiable to improve the quality of life. 

A subtle change in our daily habits may go a long way in preventing some diseases. 

Here are some lifestyle changes that could significantly improve quality of life and prevent diseases. While these changes do not have to be immediate, making a conscious effort to implement them will be more than helpful.

Avoid Tobacco Use

The consistent use of tobacco products in any form is one of the main risk factors for several chronic diseases, including cancer, lung diseases, and heart diseases. 

It is not enough to avoid using it yourself. It is vital to stop any unnecessary exposure to smoke. Secondhand smoke is just as harmful. 

Avoiding using tobacco or exposure to it will help reduce the chances of several chronic diseases. 

Maintain a Healthy Weight

Several studies have revealed a relationship between some health issues, such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease, and obesity. 

Being obese also interferes with sexual function, breathing, mood, and social interactions.

A healthy weight makes it easier for your bones, muscles, brain, heart, and other organs to play their parts smoothly and efficiently for many years without the complications associated with being overweight. 

Prioritizing a healthy diet and regular exercise are the best way to reduce body weight.

Increase Physical Activity

We live in a generation where sitting in one spot for an extremely long time is normal. 

Whether it is because our work requires long sitting hours, or we prolonged hours in front of the television, or using other digital devices, a lack of physical activity can lead to heart disease in people without any risk factors. 

Moving more and sitting less have a lot of benefits for health. Regular exercise improves sleep, increases your ability to perform everyday activities, and improves bone and muscle health.

Eat a Healthy Diet

Aside from changing our sedentary lifestyles, we also need to change our diet to decrease the risk of diseases. Some of these dietary changes include.

• Eliminate trans-fat from your diet. Trans fat, commonly found in packaged foods, baked goods, cooking oils, and spreads, contributes to many premature deaths from coronary heart disease. You can replace saturated and trans fats with unsaturated fats, such as omega-3 fatty acids.
• Eat fruits and vegetables regularly. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables can reduce your risk of heart disease, stroke, eye problems, gastrointestinal problems, lower blood pressure, and prevent some types of cancer.
• Limit the sodium in your diet. Too much sodium in your diet may cause a spike in blood pressure. Limiting sodium in the diet will help reduce the chances of a stroke or heart disease. 

In conclusion, a few changes here and there that may seem insignificant can help drastically improve your quality of life.

Resources:

World health organization

https://www.who.int/news/item/09-12-2020-who-reveals-leading-causes-of-death-and-disability-worldwide-2000-2019

https://www.who.int/health-topics/tobacco#tab=tab_1

Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health Obesity Prevention Source

https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/obesity-prevention-source/obesity-consequences/health-effects/

Impact of changes in television viewing time and physical activity on longevity: a prospective cohort study

Sarah Kozey Keadle, Hannah Arem, and Charles E. Matthews

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4683741/

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Disclaimer: This article was written as a guest post for Write Shift RN LLC's blog. The information in it may not be wholly fact-checked or edited, allowing the reader to see the writer's work and skills firsthand. This information is not intended as medical advice. It is for informational and educational purposes only. Always talk to your doctor or other qualified healthcare providers about any questions or concerns you may have regarding medical conditions.