There is a certain amount of luck or misfortune that just comes our way, but at the same time, there are many things that are not entirely out of our control. You may have been born beautiful, incredibly intelligent, or given every advantage imaginable through wealth and stature; these are things we obviously have no control over. However, there are some very controllable and impactful factors that can, and do, have profound implications for your health, happiness, lifespan, and quality of life. Moreover, in the end, don’t we finally figure out that these are the things that matter most.
(Note: About Us, a reference bibliography, related books and videos are all found at the end of this article.)
Many are unaware that noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), which cannot be transmitted from person to person, stand as the leading causes of death worldwide. These chronic diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, cancers, chronic respiratory diseases, and diabetes, account for 41 million deaths each year, which is 74% of all deaths worldwide. A significant number of these, especially those that occur before the age of 70, could potentially be prevented or delayed through changes in lifestyle and diet. In fact, the World Health Organization emphasizes the reduction of major risk factors such as tobacco use, physical inactivity, unhealthy diets, and harmful use of alcohol as key strategies to prevent NCDs (World Health Organization (WHO)) (World Health Organization (WHO)).
Lifestyle choices have a substantial impact on the prevalence and mortality associated with NCDs. Unhealthy behaviors, like smoking, insufficient physical activity, poor dietary choices, and excessive sitting time, independently increase the risk of mortality in patients with NCDs. This applies to health span as well as our lifespan because these NCDs can have a significant impact on the quality of life in one’s final years. The combined effect of these factors shows a clear linear trend where an increase in the number of high-risk lifestyle factors (e.g., smoking, lack of exercise, poor dietary choices) is associated with a higher risk of all-cause mortality (BioMed Central). It really is that simple!
(Note: About Us, a reference bibliography, related books and videos are all found at the end of this article.)
Nocturia, a condition characterized by the need to urinate multiple times during the night, stands as a significant disruptor of sleep and a considerable detriment to overall health and well-being. This condition transcends mere inconvenience, affecting a wide demographic with varying degrees of severity and underlying causes. Its impact on sleep quality cannot be overstated; frequent nighttime awakenings to urinate can lead to fragmented sleep patterns, resulting in daytime fatigue, decreased productivity, and a compromised immune system.
Recent insights have illuminated the multifaceted nature of nocturia, revealing associations with factors beyond the urinary system. Notably, extended screen time, dietary habits, sleep disorders, and other lifestyle habits have been implicated in the prevalence and exacerbation of nocturia. These findings suggest that the management of nocturia requires a holistic approach, addressing not just the symptoms but also the myriad factors contributing to its onset.
(Note: Bibliography, videos, and About Us are found at the end of this article)
Statins have been a cornerstone in the fight against high cholesterol since their groundbreaking debut in the late 1980s. These medications have not only revolutionized the approach to cardiovascular health but have also sparked a continuous evolution in their development. As we progressed from the first to the latest generation of statins, significant strides have been made in enhancing their safety profiles, thus broadening their acceptability and use.
Despite their proven efficacy in lowering cholesterol, statins are not without their controversies. As many senior citizens take on the role of their own health advocates, understanding the dual nature of these drugs becomes crucial. While they are powerful allies against heart disease, they also bring potential side effects—such as muscle aches and an increased risk of insulin resistance—that must be carefully weighed.
(Note: Bibliography, videos, and About Us are found at the end of this article)