There are daily activities that we engage in but the health risks associated with them are extremely high.
According to a 2015 commissioned paper on Providing Sustainable Mental Health Care in Kenya, the study concluded that some psychological health risks contribute to the high burden experienced in the Kenyan healthcare systems and the society in general.
Kenyans.co.ke has compiled a list of daily activities that take a toll on the body, physically and psychologically.
Overreading for Tests
Students are expected to excel in their examinations as a condition to proceed to the next level of learning or get well-paying jobs.
The depression and anxiety experienced by students because of the fear of failing in their exams may affect their chances in the job market.
Prolonged Sitting
This happens majorly in learning institutions, workplaces, and homes where people sit for long hours. People who sit in front of a screen for more than five hours have a 50 per cent increased risk of passing away.
It is highly recommended that in the workplace, one should try standing every often and walk around. When going back home from the office, individual's are encouraged to walk where they can or for at least 15 minutes.
Skipping Meals
When an individual is busy, there is a likelihood to skip meals in order to beat timelines set for various tasks.
An individual needs to eat something even in small quantities to keep their metabolism up and avoid stress. Failure to do this can lead to opportunistic diseases taking advantage of the weak body.
Use of Cellphones
Cell phones have revolutionized our day-to-day activities but also have grave consequences if used for long hours as is the case with the millennials and Gen Zs.
When an individual is keeping up with what is happening in the world, especially at night, the light from the device deteriorates one’s vision and triggers one’s brain to stay awake hence developing abnormal sleeping patterns. The addiction to validation from social media platforms has increased depression and anxiety in millennials.
A study published in Frontiers in Psychiatry noted that the negative feedback loop from the use of cellphones to heighten feelings of anxiety, irritability, and loneliness are some of the results for staying on one's phone for long. It also classified women and adolescents as the most susceptible group to this behavioral addiction.
High Expectations at Work
Individuals use work as a means to elevate their standards of living. Some workplaces are more strenuous and demanding than others.
A study by researchers from the University College of London on the relationship between working hours and heart attack risks discovered that those who worked more than 55 hours in a week had a greater risk of a stroke compared to those who worked 40 hours a week.
Drinking a Lot of Water
It may surprise you that this could be a health risk, especially keeping in mind the health recommendation of drinking 8 glasses of water a day. The medical community has concluded that the body's water needs vary based on the individual.
Athletes and persons who frequently work out should drink more water while people with cardiovascular and kidney issues should drink less water.
Brushing Teeth After Eating.
Dentists have always recommended the public brush their teeth 30 minutes after eating. Food and drinks that are considered acidic by medical professionals hurt the enamel of our teeth.
The movement of your toothbrush pushed the acidic components further down your gums which heightens tooth sensitivity.
