Real benefits to Health

Smoking

Dangers of Smoking

The dangers associated with smoking are well-documented; however many people continue to smoke. Smoking has been directly linked to the development of several forms of cancer, as well as respiratory problems such as emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Smoking also leads to discolouration of the teeth and nails and can cause unpleasant odours to linger on your clothes and hair. Smoking is also an extremely expensive habit in the long-term.

Help to quit

For help quitting smoking you should consult your GP who will be able to give you details about the NHS help available; these programmes include regular group meetings as well as support and practical advice.

Drinking

Long-term effects of drinking

Although alcohol can perfectly harmless in small quantities, excessive and prolonged drinking can be extremely detrimental to health. Prolonged alcohol abuse can lead to conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease and cirrhosis of the liver. Alcoholism has also been linked to depression, mood swings and severe anxiety in a number of studies.

Short term effects of drinking

Short-term effects of drinking can be as dangerous as long-term effects as alcohol affects your ability to make sound judgements; this can result in accidents, poor sexual health and poor decision-making. The effects of alcohol can usually be felt the day after during a ‘hangover’ when the body is dehydrated; this often causes headaches and stomach pain and discomfort. Research has also shown that the rise in binge drinking, particularly amongst young women, has contributed to the poor sexual health prevalent in young adults.

If you want to quit

If you want help with cutting down or stopping drinking there is plenty of advice and support available. You should consult your GP who will able to explain all the available options to you and discuss your treatment plan. Charities such as Alcoholics Anonymous also offer impartial advice and emotional support.

Drugs

Effects of Drug Use

Although some drugs are more dangerous than others on paper, their effects are dependent on each individual and can therefore be extremely unpredictable; a substance that can have a significant impact on one person may have absolutely no effect on a different person; this is commonly seen with pills such as ecstasy. Recreational drug use can develop into an addiction and can have serious implications for your health. Prolonged drug use can lead to heart difficulties, high blood pressure and respiratory problems; some drugs can have such serious side effects that they may prove fatal. Taking drugs, like drinking alcohol, affects your decision-making and can make you do things you wouldn’t normally do.

Help and Support

If you need help with a drug addiction you should consult your GP or seek help from a charitable organisation such as FRANK; they will be able to offer advice and support and will point you in the right direction in terms of starting your treatment.

Stress

Causes of Stress

In modern society many people feel a great deal of stress; this can be caused by financial difficulties, relationship break down, unemployment and a busy working life. Stress can cause sleep disturbance, nervousness and anxiety and unhappiness; long-term stress can also cause high blood pressure and heart problems. It is important to try and reduce stress; this is achievable in many different ways.

Dealing with Stress

Perhaps the most effective way to deal with stress is to try and organise yourself in a way that makes you more able to deal with any problems; if you have money worries, for example, try to write down what you need to pay for or buy and then set out a realistic budget to stick to. You may also find it helpful to seek professional advice from a financial consultant who can assess your situation and suggest a solution.

If you are having relationship troubles, it may be beneficial to discuss your problems with a relationship counsellor or to have a proper discussion with your partner; keeping things bottled up is often counter-productive and causes even more stress and anxiety.

Exercise provides a release from daily life and a time to be alone for many people; exercise clears the mind and makes you feel energised and ready to take on new or existing challenges.

Alternative Therapies

Therapies such as reflexology, massage, acupuncture and aromatherapy have been proven to reduce stress for many people. If you lead a busy and hectic life try to allow yourself some time to relax and unwind; this will make your social relationships more positive and allow you time to recharge your batteries in preparation for another day’s work.

Visiting the Doctor

Routine Check-ups

Most people tend to visit their doctor only when they are ill; it is however, advisable to have a health check-up fairly regularly to ensure that your body is fit and working properly. Simple indicators of general health may include your BMI (body mass index), resting pulse rate and blood pressure.

If you are suffering from an illness or are not feeling yourself you should consult your GP; they will be able to assess your condition and suggest appropriate treatment. Most serious illnesses start with fairly minor symptoms so it is important to monitor these symptoms and get checked out as early as possible; your chances of surviving a serious illness are usually much greater if you have been diagnosed early.

Help and Advice

General practice is a multi-faceted discipline; your GP is there to help and can offer advice on a wide range of issues, from how to cope with stress and anxiety to how to give up smoking or improve your chances of having a baby.