In today’s world, we are faced with many obstacles when it comes to achieving our health goals. Unfortunately, busy lifestyles have made it difficult for many people to find time to maintain healthy habits that will ensure that they live long enough to enjoy these things.
A survey by The Monday Campaigns and Data Decisions Group (DDG) revealed that 62% of Americans wanted to enjoy improved health in 2022. This figure indicates the dissatisfaction among Americans about their existing health status, and they want something better. However, it’s always good to be aware of the prevalent causes that prevent you from getting the desired health outcomes than plunging into the solutions.
Here are the four roadblocks that are hindering you from getting there:
Acceptance of a Sedentary Lifestyle
In today’s fast-paced era, it’s difficult to say no to a busy lifestyle. We’ve been conditioned to believe that productivity is the key to success, and so many people find themselves overworked and under-rested. But this type of lifestyle has negative consequences for our health.
The problem with being sedentary all day is that our bodies have been made for movement. By sitting all day while we work and then sitting on the couch when we get home, we’re virtually eliminating any chance for our muscles to get enough exercise.
In the last few years, there has been a drastic rise in the number of individuals living a sedentary lifestyle due to their overwhelming and time-consuming professional commitments.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 1 in 4 U.S. adults is not physically active. This figure implies that many people are either too sedentary or not paying enough attention to their health. That means they’re putting themselves at risk for a number of health issues over the course of their lifetime.
Moreover, physical inactivity is closely linked with obesity and diabetes risks. These two conditions are closely linked with various other chronic conditions. In addition to being more likely to develop these conditions, being sedentary can also make it much harder to recover from them if they do occur.
Consumption of Fast Food and Unsafe Water
Fast food and unsafe water are two of the most common health hazards we face today.
A recent survey revealed that half of U.S. consumers consume fast food at least two times every week. This figure indicates that many people have not yet understood how detrimental eating this type of food can be to their health.
When you consume fast food, you are consuming a lot of fats and sugars and very few nutrients, which means that you are getting very little nutrition from your meals. This type of diet can lead to weight gain and other health problems such as heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure, which can ultimately shorten your life span.
The consumption of unsafe water is also a significant health hazard. The quality of drinking water in most countries is poor and poses a significant threat to public health. Contamination of drinking water sources has been linked to many diseases, including diarrhea, cholera, and typhoid fever which affect millions of people every year.
The prevalence of contaminated water in States like California can be a health hazard for citizens. According to new research, an estimated 370,000 residents of California depend on drinking water that could be high in contaminants like arsenic, nitrate, or hexavalent chromium. These contaminants are toxic to humans and have been known to cause severe diseases like cancer.
The incident of Camp Lejeune Water Contamination is an example of how drinking unsafe water can be dangerous to your health. The U.S. government had been supplying the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune (located in North Carolina) as far back as 1953 without informing service members and their families about the contamination.
Many people who drank this water developed cancer or other severe diseases due to the high levels of contaminants found in it. However, the Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit has provided some relief for some of these individuals by allowing them to receive compensation for their suffering.
Inadequate Sleep
Sleep is not just something you do at night to recharge your battery. It’s quite crucial for your health and a key factor in achieving optimum health. In fact, inadequate sleep can cause a wide range of problems.
The CDC found that roughly one-third of U.S. adults don’t obtain enough sleep or rest each night, and this figure implies that inadequate sleep is a serious problem in the country.
Sleep deprivation can lead to increased weight gain, making you more vulnerable to diabetes and heart disease. Sleep deprivation can also make it harder for you to stay focused, which can affect your productivity at work or school.
And getting enough sleep is important for your mental health: people who don’t get adequate amounts of sleep are more likely to experience mental diseases like depression and anxiety disorders.
Moreover, it can lead to weight gain and obesity due to changes in hormones that regulate appetite and metabolism. It can increase the risk for depression by reducing serotonin levels in the brain, which promotes feelings of well-being. It can lower immune system function and increase inflammation levels in the body, which makes us more susceptible to various diseases.
Prevalence of Chronic Stress
The high prevalence of stress in today’s world is a main obstacle to achieving better health. Stress can cause our immune system to break down, leaving us vulnerable to disease and illness.
As per a recent survey by the Pew Research Center, 21% of American adults experienced high psychological distress. This figure means that stress is a problem that affects many people and can lead to poor physical and mental health.
Stress can have a negative impact on your body and your mind, but it’s particularly bad for your physical health. It can have serious physical effects, including a higher risk of heart disease, diabetes, and others. Stress causes your body to release hormones called catecholamines, which can lead to an increase in blood pressure and heart rate.
Moreover, stress can affect our mental health in various ways. One of the most common effects of stress is that it can cause us to feel overwhelmed, confused, and out of control. This can lead to feelings of helplessness and hopelessness, which can make you feel as if you can do nothing to improve the situation.
The Way Forward
While it may be difficult to overcome these four roadblocks, the rewards are worth it.
By identifying and working to improve your current health status, you can begin to experience the benefits of improved nutrition and lifestyle. Regardless of which roadblock you’re facing, it’s important to remember that there is always hope for improvement.
