Neglecting your gums
The connection between the health of our gums and our overall health is strong, says Luu, which is why it’s so essential to brush and floss regularly – especially as we age and reduced mobility or vision changes can affect how we care for our mouths. “Eraser The disease can cause ongoing inflammation, and some data suggests that bacteria from the gums can enter the bloodstream and potentially even contribute to heart attacks. There is growing evidence that the better oral health a person has, the better their overall health and the lower their risk of heart disease. This is why it is so important to not only brush and floss regularly, but also to see your dentist.
Smoking
If you’re part of the 10% of the UK adult population who still smoke, it’s absolutely worth quitting, whatever your age, says Luu. “Many people think that if they smoke for years or even decades, the damage is done. And while smoking certainly increases our risk of cancer and cardiovascular disease, it’s never too late to quit. The respiratory system is constantly making new cells, and stopping quickly allows the body to begin healing and replacing these damaged cells. At any age, there is good evidence that quitting smoking could add years to your life.”
Drink too much
When it comes to alcohol, it’s clearly a case of the less, the better, Luu says. “Weekend binge drinking, in particular, can cause serious liver damage, disrupt sleep, and make it harder for your body to recover,” he explains. “Excessive alcohol consumption increases the risk of several major diseases, including liver disease, heart disease, cancer, gastrointestinal diseases, depression and dementia.” But there is hope. “Even among people with serious alcohol use disorders, reducing or eliminating alcohol consumption has many mental and physical health benefits, so it’s always worth doing,” he says. Heavy drinkers, however, should be careful about cutting out “cold turkey” because withdrawal can be life-threatening.
Gn Health
