Six Everyday Habits That Could Lead to Cancer or Dementia, According to a Top Neurologist - Are You Guilty of These?
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As we age, our health becomes an increasingly precious commodity, and staying informed about the everyday habits that could potentially harm us is crucial. A neurologist has recently shed light on six common practices that many of us might not think twice about, yet they could be silently increasing our risk of serious health issues like cancer, dementia, and strokes. Here at the Seniors Discount Club, we're taking a closer look at these habits to help you stay healthy and informed.
Avoid Forceful Neck Manipulations
Dr Baibing Chen, a neurologist who is raising awareness on social media, places forceful neck manipulations at the top of his list of no-nos. Often performed by chiropractors or even self-administered in an attempt to relieve neck pain, these adjustments can pose a rare but serious risk of vertebral artery dissection. This tear in the artery can lead to blood clots that block blood flow to the brain, causing a stroke. Dr Chen advises sticking to safer alternatives like stretching, gentle exercises, or physical therapy for neck pain.
Don't Ignore Unusual Headaches
Headaches can be a common occurrence, but Dr Chen warns against ignoring one that feels different from your regular headache. New symptoms or patterns could signal something serious, such as a brain bleed, tumour, or aneurysm. Harvard University experts also emphasise that headaches with sudden and severe pain, changes in personality or mental function, or those accompanied by neck pain or fever, warrant immediate medical attention.
Prioritise Sleep
Chronic sleep deprivation is another habit to avoid. Dr Chen highlights the importance of sleep in reducing the risk of dementia. During sleep, the brain clears out beta-amyloid, a protein that forms harmful plaques. He recommends aiming for at least six hours of sleep per night, though eight is ideal.
Be Cautious with Space Heaters
With winter upon us, Dr Chen advises caution when using space heaters. While electric heaters don't produce carbon monoxide, gas heaters can release this dangerous gas in poorly ventilated spaces. Carbon monoxide poisoning can increase the risk of dementia by depriving the brain of oxygen and causing brain cell death.
Stretch Before Winter Activities
The cold weather can be deceptive, making you feel like you're not exerting as much effort as you actually are. Dr Chen recommends stretching for at least five to ten minutes before engaging in any winter activities, including shovelling snow. This helps prevent overexertion, which can lead to fainting and head injuries.
Don't Dismiss Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
Lastly, Dr Chen warns not to ignore the signs of seasonal affective disorder, a type of depression that occurs during the shorter days of winter. SAD can lead to significant cognitive and emotional changes. To combat this, he suggests light therapy in the morning, regular exercise, adequate sleep, and spending time outdoors during daylight hours to boost serotonin and regulate melatonin levels.
As members of the Seniors Discount Club, it's essential to be vigilant about our health and the choices we make daily. By avoiding these six habits, we can take proactive steps to protect our well-being. Have you experienced any of these issues, or do you have other health tips to share with our community? Let us know in the comments below – your insights could make a world of difference to someone else's health journey.
Avoid Forceful Neck Manipulations
Dr Baibing Chen, a neurologist who is raising awareness on social media, places forceful neck manipulations at the top of his list of no-nos. Often performed by chiropractors or even self-administered in an attempt to relieve neck pain, these adjustments can pose a rare but serious risk of vertebral artery dissection. This tear in the artery can lead to blood clots that block blood flow to the brain, causing a stroke. Dr Chen advises sticking to safer alternatives like stretching, gentle exercises, or physical therapy for neck pain.
Dr Chen revealed six common habits that may be linked to dementia. Image Credit: Pexels/Kindel Media
Don't Ignore Unusual Headaches
Headaches can be a common occurrence, but Dr Chen warns against ignoring one that feels different from your regular headache. New symptoms or patterns could signal something serious, such as a brain bleed, tumour, or aneurysm. Harvard University experts also emphasise that headaches with sudden and severe pain, changes in personality or mental function, or those accompanied by neck pain or fever, warrant immediate medical attention.
Prioritise Sleep
Chronic sleep deprivation is another habit to avoid. Dr Chen highlights the importance of sleep in reducing the risk of dementia. During sleep, the brain clears out beta-amyloid, a protein that forms harmful plaques. He recommends aiming for at least six hours of sleep per night, though eight is ideal.
Be Cautious with Space Heaters
With winter upon us, Dr Chen advises caution when using space heaters. While electric heaters don't produce carbon monoxide, gas heaters can release this dangerous gas in poorly ventilated spaces. Carbon monoxide poisoning can increase the risk of dementia by depriving the brain of oxygen and causing brain cell death.
Stretch Before Winter Activities
The cold weather can be deceptive, making you feel like you're not exerting as much effort as you actually are. Dr Chen recommends stretching for at least five to ten minutes before engaging in any winter activities, including shovelling snow. This helps prevent overexertion, which can lead to fainting and head injuries.
Don't Dismiss Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
Lastly, Dr Chen warns not to ignore the signs of seasonal affective disorder, a type of depression that occurs during the shorter days of winter. SAD can lead to significant cognitive and emotional changes. To combat this, he suggests light therapy in the morning, regular exercise, adequate sleep, and spending time outdoors during daylight hours to boost serotonin and regulate melatonin levels.
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