Paper Example on Lifestyle Practices That Pose a Risk to a Person's Wellbeing

Introduction

The human body is affected by toxins and other harmful material that arise from an individual's way of life and the environment within which they operate. This paper delves into various lifestyle practices that pose a risk to a person's wellbeing.

Caffeine

Caffeine stimulates the central nervous system and is present in coffee, tea, energy drinks among others. People consume these items on a daily basis and in large quantities without perceiving the probable threat caused by the high intake.

Effects of Caffeine to the Human Body

Caffeine consumption has both positive and adverse effects on an individual. Through its stimulant nature, caffeine enhances a person's alertness and makes them more active by reducing tiredness (Nawrot, Jordan, Eastwood, Rotstein, Hugenholtz, & Feeley, 2003). For instance, some people argue that they would be less productive at work if they do not take their daily dose of coffee and that is because of the impact caffeine has on them.

Detrimental Effects of Caffeine

Sleep deprivation: Regular intake of caffeinated products affects an individual's sleeping patterns by keeping them awake for more extended periods.

Increased heart rate: Consumption of more than 400mg of caffeine in a day speeds up the heartbeat and may result in tachycardia if not addressed in time (Nawrot et al., 2003). Caffeine also raises blood pressure, therefore; hypertension patients should ensure that the intake is maintained at moderate levels.

Reproductive health: Studies show that regular intake of caffeinated foods increases the possibility of miscarriages in pregnant women (Nawrot et al., 2003).

Smoking

Smoking is an addictive practice adopted by both teens and adults. Cigarettes are made using tobacco which contains nicotine; a stimulant that makes users overly dependent on it if used regularly. When inhaled, nicotine causes the users to feel relaxed for a short period.

Effects of Smoking

Smoking poses great danger to an individual's health and those accustomed to the practice have a hard time quitting. People who do not smoke can also be affected if they are exposed to passive smoking for a significant amount of time (Chaturvedi, Mishra, Datta, Sinukumar, Joshi, & Garg, 2015). The practice is harmful to an individual's vital organs such as the lungs and the heart.

Detrimental Effects of Smoking

Terminal illnesses: Studies show that smoking is responsible for 87% of lung cancer deaths (Chaturvedi et al., 2015). Also, it causes ailments such as stroke, cataracts, kidney, heart, and blood vessel disease. Continued smoking in a lung cancer patient promotes the growth of tumors.

Reproductive complications: Smoking has been proven to affect fertility by reducing the probability of conception in ladies. The practice also elevates a person's risk of contracting cervical cancer. Women who smoke during pregnancy have a high chance of getting a miscarriage, pre-term birth or lose the child due to sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) (Ino, Shibuya, Saito & Ohtani, 2011). The fertility of male smokers is also affected since the practice increases their chances of being impotent. Their sperm count is compromised due to the damage of the blood vessels that supply blood to the male reproductive organs.

Alcohol

There are various forms of liquor all of which act as a depressant in the human body. Upon consumption, users get into a drunken state thereby resulting in imbalanced movement, slurred speech and inability to make rational decisions. Alcohol is highly addictive, and people have a hard time abstaining from its use (Thoma, Monnig, Lysne, Ruhl, Pommy, & Bogenschut, 2010).

Effects of Alcohol/Drug Misuse

Excessive consumption of alcohol clouds a person's judgment and causes memory loss. Regular abuse of alcohol poses significant risks to an individual's health and general wellbeing. For instance, an alcoholic finds it difficult to fulfill their responsibilities since they are always drunk and spend most of their finances on purchasing alcoholic beverages.

Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) for Alcohol

According to the dietary guidelines for 2015-2020, the recommended daily allowance for alcohol is a maximum of one and two drinks per day for women and men respectively (USDA, 2015). One alcoholic beverage constitutes 14 grams (0.6 fl oz.) of pure alcohol (USDA, 2015).

Detrimental Effects of Alcohol

Health risks: Studies show that regular consumption of alcohol in large quantities could cause various illnesses such as immunological, mental and behavioral disorders, lung and cardiovascular diseases, cancers and gastrointestinal ailments among others (Thoma et al., 2010).

Infertility: Alcohol abuse increases the chance of infertility in men by lowering their sperm count.

Pregnancy risks: Women who consume alcohol when expectant have an increased chance of experiencing a miscarriage, premature birth or low birth weight in babies.

Advice for Safe Alcohol Consumption

Anyone who wishes to consume alcohol safely should adhere to the dietary guidelines of 14 grams of pure alcohol per day for women and double the amount for their male counterparts (USDA, 2015). Individuals with higher alcohol intake should reduce the amount taken in a single sitting and probably spread the units required throughout the week. A person can also consume alcohol safely by substituting with other beverages to help cut on cravings. An individual who is overly dependent on alcohol can begin safe consumption by limiting the amount of time they are exposed to alcoholic drinks.

Drugs

Legal Drugs

There are a variety of addictive drugs that people use to relieve pain, anxiety temporarily and remain composed, yet they are legal. The regular use of drugs for reasons other than those which medical practitioners prescribe them could pose a health risk to an individual's body (NIDA, 2017). They include fentanyl, caffeine, nicotine, alcohol, Adderall, Ritalin, oxycontin and morphine.

Illegal Drugs

There are various drugs whose consumption can result in fatalities or severe health complications and have therefore been rendered illegal. Anyone found in possession of such drugs is at risk of imprisonment according to the stipulations in law. They include heroin, cocaine, cannabis, ketamine, and ecstasy.

Detrimental Effects of Drugs

Terminal illnesses: Studies show that regular drug users have a high risk of having cancer, mental disorders, lung, and heart disease, hepatitis and HIV/AIDS due to use of shared syringes when injecting substances (NIDA, 2017).

Brain disorder: Drugs alter the brain's operations, thereby interfering with the interpretation of various communication and stimuli. These changes lead to the inability to make rational decisions, control stress levels, and poor cognition and memory.

Prenatal risks: Research shows that the use of drugs during pregnancy increases the risk of miscarriage, pre-term birth, low birth weight and a series of cognitive disorders in the baby (NIDA, 2017).

Living in a Smoky Atmosphere

Regular exposure to smoke poses a variety of health risks by increasing the probability of diseases such as lung cancer, stroke and heart attack among others (Ino et al., 2011). It is essential to note that involuntary smoking also puts a person at risk in the same magnitude as that of a smoker. Babies with smoking mothers may die due to sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Also, children who are brought up in an environment with smokers are more likely to start smoking in their teenage.

Working in a Smoky Atmosphere

Working in a smoky environment exposes an individual to the effects of carbon monoxide which include; constant running nose, sore and itchy eyes, regular infections due to a weak immune system, interrupted breathing and recurring headaches all of which are likely to affect a person's productivity (Gaffney & Marley, 2003).

Living and Working in a Chemical Atmosphere

Frequent exposure to a chemical environment poses a range of health risks to an individual. They include; skin disease, headaches, sore eyes, and trouble breathing. Regular inhaling of chemical products could also cause lung disease which can be fatal (Gaffney & Marley, 2003).

Effects of Environmental Pollution on the Respiratory and Integumentary Systems

Environmental pollution is a health hazard since it affects the quality of air that human beings breathe. When inhaled, contaminated air poses a risk to the respiratory system by altering the airway tissues thereby, resulting in illnesses such as lung disease and cancer (Gaffney & Marley, 2003). Environmental pollution affects the integumentary system by causing skin sensitivity which is portrayed by an itchy and dry skin, and conditions such as skin cancer.

UV Radiation

Ultraviolet radiation is a significant risk factor for various skin diseases. UV rays damage the skin thereby leaving it exposed to various illnesses.

Effects of UV Damage to the Integumentary Systems

Ultraviolet radiation is a human carcinogen which causes skin cancer and other integumentary systems related diseases.

Short-Term UV Benefits

Source of Vitamin D: The ultraviolet rays of the sun trigger the production of vitamin D which is essential in strengthening bones and overall immunity.

Skin care: Ultraviolet radiation is adopted in the management of skin diseases such as psoriasis to slow down the development of skin cells (Reichrath, 2006).

Short-Term UV Damage

Short-term effects of UV radiation include allergic reactions sunburns which can be treated using sunscreen lotion.

Long-Term UV Damage

The long-term effects are devastating, take a significant amount of time to treat and can be fatal. They include diseases such as melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma (Reichrath, 2006).

Safer Tanning Advice

Safe tanning can be successfully achieved by using sunscreen and exfoliating the skin before exposure, use sunglasses to protect the eyes and a hat. Also, one should avoid being exposed to the ultraviolet rays for too long.

Safe Sunbathing Techniques

Adequate use of a broad spectrum sunscreen, avoid exposure between 11 am and 3 pm, utilize protective gear such as hats and quality sunglasses (Reichrath, 2006).

Why Detox?

Engaging in a detox plan is an efficient and safe way of eliminating toxins from the body thereby leading to a healthier individual.

Self-Help Techniques for Detoxification

To successfully get through a detox program one must ensure that they stay hydrated, eat foods rich in antioxidants, drink lemon water and try to get enough sleep.

Benefits of Detoxing

Detoxing improves overall health by eliminating toxins, augments the immune system, helps in weight loss, boosts energy levels and reduces excess feeding (University of Wisconsin Integrative Medicine, 2015).

One Day Detox

A one-day detox plan involves taking a glass of lemon water in the morning, then de-bloat with a breakfast meal that has more of protein and less in carbohydrates such as cereals and bread. Ensure that you take three meals in a day comprising of whole foods only and a healthy snack such as fruits or Greek yogurt in between. Take a cup of dandelion root tea in the afternoon accompanied by cucumber and an almond snack. Also, incorporate some form of workout to increase your heart rate and help eliminate toxins.

Detox Program

Detox programs can last from as few as one day to as many as seven or more days depending on the objective for which an individual set out. A 7-day detox plan consists of a vegetable and fruit smoothie diet to help the body in its natural cleansing process (University of Wisconsin Integrative Medicine, 2015).

Dietary Guidelines for Detoxing

A detox plan requires the elimination of foods that cause allergies, inflammation, and sensitivity from a person's diet and instead replace them with fresh whole grains su...