Seven Common Health Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
by Carolyn Lee Sep 5, 2022
Many of us do our best to care for ourselves and enjoy a healthy lifestyle. Despite good health care habits, a few simple mistakes can derail our health. We’ve got seven common health mistakes and how to avoid them.
Using cotton swabs to clean your ear
Our ears are self-cleaning but may sometimes produce more wax than usual. It can be irritating to have wax trapped in the ear but using a Q-tip or cotton swab to attempt removal is potentially harmful. A cotton swab, hairpin, or other implements can push wax further into the ear canal or puncture the eardrum. If you notice an increase in wax in your ear, speak to your doctor about how to remove it safely.
Insufficient sleep
Getting enough good quality sleep can improve your mood, reduce stress and the risk of heart disease and diabetes. People with long-term sleep loss are also at risk for dementia, obesity, depression, anxiety, and immune system problems. Most adults need seven or more hours of sleep, while teenagers and children need more (eight-10 hours and more). People who have difficulty sleeping should consult with a doctor for advice or treatment that may help.
Forgetting to check drug interactions on your medication
Most medication labels include directions on how to use them and possible side effects, but many of us overlook the section on drug interactions. You and your doctor need to be aware of all your medicines to help avoid drug interactions that could make some medications less effective, cause unexpected side effects, or harm. Read the notes on each drug and ask your doctor or the pharmacist for advice if anything is unclear.
Ignoring mental health issues
Mental health has been a popular buzz term in the last few years. However, while more people are paying attention to mental health, it requires intentional work to protect it. Our mental health allows us to focus on how we handle stress, interact with others, and make healthy choices. Stressful situations, financial problems, childhood traumas, and a history of mental illness in a blood relative (parent or sibling) contribute to poor mental health. If you are struggling, don’t allow the stigma associated with mental illness to deter you from seeking help. Speak to a therapist or psychologist to get the help you need.
Being dishonest with your doctor
Many of us value privacy and might be apprehensive about sharing personal information with our doctors. Being dishonest with your doctor can prevent you from being correctly diagnosed and receiving the treatment you need to improve. Your doctor’s job is to help you receive the proper treatment to resolve any health condition you might be experiencing. If you don’t trust your doctor, ask a friend or relatives to recommend one they find trustworthy.
Refusing to complete taking medication or treatment
Many people are guilty of stopping the medication or treatment once they “feel better.” Stopping medicines before the recommended completion time can result in mild to severe problems. Also, depending on the drug, you might experience headaches, the illness may recur, and some persons may have seizures. So, be disciplined and finish the medicine so you can feel better and enjoy a healthier life.
Skipping flossing or seeing the dentist
Brushing, flossing, and visiting the dentist are crucial to maintaining good oral hygiene. It is easy to commit to brushing; however, many people inadvertently skip flossing every day. Our toothbrush doesn’t remove plaque between our teeth. Plaque weakens the tooth and can cause decay or tooth loss if left untreated. Also, if bacteria from the mouth gets into our bloodstream, it can increase the risk of stroke, heart disease, or cancer. So, remember to floss daily and keep your dental appointments.
We hope that these tips help you to continue practicing healthier habits. Use The Guernsey Directory to search for dentists, doctors, and related businesses.
