When it comes to personal wellbeing, we have all heard the basics: eat well, exercise, and get eight hours of sleep. Many of us have built these into our lifestyle, but we may still face certain health concerns for seemingly unexplainable reasons. As we become more invested in our long-term wellness and how this relates to our insurance and premiums, it is worth nothing that there are also seemingly minor habits that can have a significant impact on our health. Below, we’ll review six of these surprising habits and how they can affect you.
Alcohol
It is no secret that excessive quantities of alcohol can have a negative effect on health. But even in moderation, alcohol can still affect your metabolism, liver, and even your immune system. Unlike fats and carbohydrates, your body has nowhere to store alcohol and begins to break it down immediately. This means that your body and liver prioritize getting rid of the alcohol over metabolizing other foods and nutrients. Alcohol also weakens the immune system, so regular drinking can make you more susceptible to illness and infection.
Diet Sodas
When trying to cut calories, especially the sugar-filled calories from sodas, it can be tempting to switch to drinks labeled “diet” or “sugar-free.” However, these beverages often have even more harmful chemicals and additives than the original full-sugar sodas. The chemicals that make diet sodas taste sweet also make your brain crave high-calorie foods. Because sucralose, the sweetener in diet soda, causes a rise in insulin and blood glucose levels, diet drinkers are also at a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Nail-Biting
Onychophagia is the condition of habitual nail-biting. It affects up to 30% of the U.S. adult population and up to 45% of teenagers. While this common disorder may seem harmless, even for those who simply bite their nails from time to time, it can cause serious health issues and even up to $4,000 in dental work throughout your lifetime. The area under the nails is a commonplace for bacteria to remain trapped – including bacteria like E. coli that can cause serious illness. Nail-biting can also damage the teeth and gums, even going as far as shifting the placement of incisors. Corrective dental work for these conditions can be costly and painful, so it is best to avoid biting your nails at any time.
Lunchtime
Do you spend the majority of your day at your desk? Then you are probably one of the 86% of American adults who has a job that requires them to sit for at least 8 hours a day. While this is not inherently harmful, it can become a health problem if you do not take regular walks or breaks away from your computer. One of the most common bad health habits is eating lunch at your desk. This tends to lead to overeating, as you are not as mindful about your snacking or portion consumption when your focus is on your work. If you truly aren’t able to get away from your office at lunchtime, at least try to eat away from your computer or take a short walk around your building.
Vaping
Although the first electronic cigarette was invented in China in 2003, the technology became widespread in 2014 when the estimated number of worldwide vaper users increased to nearly 25 million. This was a sharp incline from only 7 million users in 2011, and the rise has often been attributed to vape being touted as a safer alternative to smoking traditional tobacco. Vape is often flavored to taste like fruit or candy, which removes some of the obvious negative side-effects of cigarettes. Since 2016, some popular vape brands now contain as much as 20 times the amount of highly addictive nicotine than the original e-cigarettes developed in the early 2000s. Nicotine increases your blood pressure, placing you at high risk for a heart attack or stroke.
Laundering Linens
One of the more surprising habits that harms your health is how often you change your bed linens. A number of allergens, bacteria, and skin irritants can remain in your sheets, and these only multiply in between washes. Your body may become irritated by the dust mites, pollen, or pet dander in your bed, even if it is not visible to the naked eye. This will prevent you from reaching a deep sleep or potentially cause you to wake up multiple times throughout the night. A good rule of thumb is to change your sheets and pillowcases weekly to ensure you get a good night’s sleep.
All of these surprising habits can have negative effects on your health in both minor and major ways. As you look to maximize your health insurance benefits and increase your savings, it is important to note that personal wellness plays a large role in your premium. Taking preventative measures can help ensure you are eligible for certain insurance policies and even lower your premium. To learn how your personal wellness affects your health insurance, speak with your local agent today.