We are all aware that smoking, eating junk food and not exercising can take its toll on our health, but what about the other risks men and women take on a day-to-day basis? Here are our top bad health habits for both sexes to kick by 2013.
Men
Binge drinking is still more common in men than women
1) Eating junk food
According to 2012 figures, 26.2% of the male population in England is said to be clinically obese. By 2030, this figure is predicted to rise to 40%. With many overweight men going on to develop conditions like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, cancer and respiratory problems, some British men need to stop piling on the pounds, fast.
2) Hot tubs
Men who enjoy wallowing in a hot bath or Jacuzzi might be putting their fertility at risk, according to a study from the University of California. Researchers found that sperm counts in some men with fertility problems increased by 491% after they stopped having baths or using a hot tub for a few months.
3) Binge drinking
Even though the gap between the sexes is narrowing, binge drinking is still more common in men than in women. According to NHS statistics, two thirds of the drunks who ended up in hospital in 2007 were men. Men also consistently have higher rates of alcohol-related deaths than women.
4) Not washing their hands
Research by the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine revealed that one in three men don’t wash their hands after going to the toilet. Unwashed hands are the easiest way of spreading sickness and diarrhoea bugs in the community or in hospital, and just splashing your hands with water won’t cut it!
Women
Heels may look good but they can increase the risk of arthritis
1) Body Anxiety
A whopping 73% of women think about their weight and body size at least three times during the day, and eight out of ten feel their lives would improve considerably if they were happy with their body. Negative self-image affects both mental and physical health, leading to extreme diets and disordered eating.
2) Comfort Eating
Women may not be happy with their weight and body size, yet they are more likely to snack on sweet high-calorie food when they need comforting. Whilst men and women are both guilty of emotional eating, when surveyed about their top comfort food choices women tend to name sweet things like ice cream, cookies and chocolate. Men, on the other hand, prefer pasta, soup and meatloaf.
3) Sleeping in makeup
Most women have done it at some point in their lives, but leaving makeup on whilst you sleep is asking for trouble. By not removing your make up your skin is unable to regenerate tissue, exfoliate dead skin cells and heal itself at night, leaving to clogged pores and spots. Leaving your eye make up on can also increase your risk of eye infections.
4) Wearing high heels
High heels may make your legs look longer, but heels more than 3in could actually damage your health. A recent poll by the Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists found that 25 per cent of women who wear high heels are more likely to get arthritis. In addition, a survey of 1,000 women found that more than 40% had suffered an accident in their high heels – most often from falling over!
Finally…
We can take as many cautions with our health as we like, but falling ill or having an accident is sometimes unavoidable. For access to the best healthcare that the UK has to offer, consider investing in a health insurance policy. Health insurance gives you quick appointments with a specialist of your choice, as well as treatment in a quality private hospital. Compare health insurance quotes online with ActiveQuote to find a policy within your budget.
© ActiveQuote Health Ltd. 2012