Since March 2020, it seems fair to say that the entire world’s attention was focused on one major health issue. But even as we watch our nation’s vaccination numbers continue to climb upwards, it is important to remember that one of the best ways to live healthily is to keep an eye out for issues before they arise. We have all been guilty of neglecting some of the most important self-care activities during the last eighteen months or so, but we must remember that the issues and illnesses that we worry about may occur whether we are watching for them or not.
This is why many of the health issues we will be talking about in this article are the common ones. The ones that we either choose not to think about, or we simply do not have time to think about because we are so busy with other things. We all need a little reminder sometimes to make sure that we are getting check-ups and that we are making the effort to live a little healthier. Here are a few of the major health issues that you should keep an eye on in the months ahead.
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Heart Disease
One of the biggest issues that faces America, and nations across the globe, is heart disease, as well as other heart-related illnesses. One of the main reasons why it is such a major problem is that so many people ignore the warning signs. It is all too easy to brush off chest pain as heartburn, for example, but a sudden sharp pang could be a warning sign from your body that something serious is about to happen. If you feel chest pain or discomfort, it is very important that you talk to your doctor as soon as possible and get a check on your blood pressure and your cholesterol.
If you are looking for some pointers on how to cut down your risk of heart disease, what you need to remember is that a lot of it is related to your lifestyle. Hereditary factors are definitely a concern, but you should also be thinking about how you could introduce more exercise into your routine. Sugar is one of the biggest contributing factors to heart disease. You should also start thinking about how you could cut out some of those classic risk-factor elements from your diet, such as red meat, processed foods, and alcohol, and stop smoking if you do.
Cancer
Sadly, cancer is one of those diseases that does not discriminate, and it goes after people of all ages, of all shapes and sizes. As a result, even if you consider yourself to be a very healthy, active person, it is a very good idea that you get yourself checked up regularly. An MRI scan is one of the most effective and easiest ways to get checked for cancer and other health conditions.
This scan will look at up to 13 of your organs to identify any warning signs of cancer growth. It is so important to note that your chances of beating cancer are significantly better if the doctors catch it early, so a scan is not a frivolous gesture, it’s a sensible precaution. If you want to learn more about what a full body MRI scan for cancer involves and you would like to look at how to book one, visit Ezra. They have locations across the country, and they have a range of pricing options.
If you want to cut down on your risk of developing cancer, there are several changes that you could make to your diet and lifestyle. Obesity is a big risk factor, so look at cutting out red meat and processed foods as you would to avoid heart disease. Alcohol is another contributing factor, and the biggest factor of all is, of course, smoking. Quitting smoking is one of the best things that you can do for so many different health reasons and trying to avoid cancer is the best reason of all.
Dental Issues
Now, dental issues are certainly less severe than the health issues that we have discussed so far in this article, but they are still very important. There are a lot of people out there who really do not like going to the dentist, but you need to remember that tooth aches do not get better if you ignore them. Your dentist may also be able to identify other health issues that you may not have been aware of based on your oral health, which is worth keeping in mind.
During lockdown, we were all trying to avoid non-essential trips to the dentist, but it is high time that you went to see your dentist. If you want to give yourself the best shot at healthy teeth and gums, remember to brush twice a day and floss regularly. Avoid eating too much sugar, and be careful with acidic foods and drinks, such as fruit juice, soda, and coffee. And yes, stopping smoking is a really good way to avoid dental issues.