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Risky Behavior

admin — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 21:56:00 +0000

A wide variety of behaviors are considered risky, which means that they have a high probability of causing or leading to personal harm and, in some cases, death. People usually choose to engage in risky behavior because of the immediate enjoyment it offers and because they are able to convince themselves that the risks are small, or that the risks can be prevented, avoided, or controlled. They may not consider the possible long-term consequences of their behavior. Risk-taking is also sometimes encouraged by others. For example, peer pressure is strong during adolescence because that period is seen as a time of becoming independent and testing limits.

There are risks associated with nearly every activity in which the consequences are unknown or uncertain. Risky behavior can include everything from adventurous activities such as skydiving or mountain climbing to routine activities such as driving to work. Some behaviors, such as gambling or gang activity, carry an identifiable risk of loss or harm that occurs each time they are performed. For other activities, such as cigarette smoking, the resulting harm often occurs in the longer term. Because of this delayed impact, people often ignore or deny the risk involved.

Preventing High Blood Pressure

admin — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 21:15:00 +0000

Anyone can lower his or her risk of developing high blood pressure or lower existing high blood pressure by taking the steps described here.

Maintain a healthy weight. As your body weight increases, your blood pressure rises. In fact, being overweight can develop high blood pressure than if you maintain a desirable weight. You can reduce your risk of developing high blood pressure by losing weight. Even a small weight loss can make a big difference. And if you are overweight and already have high blood pressure, losing weight can help you lower your blood pressure.

Exercise regularly. Another way to lose weight and control blood pressure is through regular physical activity. Cutting down on fat and calories combined with regular exercise can help you lose more weight and keep it off longer than with either diet or exercise alone.

Choose foods that are lower in salt. Salt attracts water. Your kidneys eliminate the excess salt from your body along with a certain amount of water. But if your kidneys cannot get rid of the extra salt, your body retains the water that clings to the salt, which raises blood volume and, in some people, blood pressure.

Potential Health Risks of Misusing Stop-Smoking Aids

admin — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 14:38:00 +0000

Several products containing nicotine are available today to help you stop smoking, including nicotine gum, the nicotine patch, and the nicotine inhaler. Both the patch and the gum are available over-the-counter, while the inhaler requires a doctor’s prescription.

All three methods put nicotine into your system to help you curb your craving for tobacco and, when used according to directions, can help you kick your nicotine habit. However, if you exceed recommended dosages, continue to smoke while using these methods, or use more than one method at a time, you can overdose on nicotine.

Too much nicotine in your bloodstream can over stimulate your heart and pose life-threatening risks to your health—high blood pressure, heart attack, and stroke. If you are considering using a stop-smoking aid that contains nicotine, talk to your doctor so you can learn more about these products and how to properly use them and make an informed decision. If you are already using one of these treatments, carefully follow the directions and note the warnings on the packaging.