Here’s an article-style piece on things that are injurious to health, focusing on habits, substances, and environmental factors that can harm well-being.
Habits and Substances Injurious to Health: A Wake-Up Call
Good health is the foundation of a happy and productive life. However, many common lifestyle choices and environmental exposures can silently damage our bodies and minds. Recognizing these harmful factors is the first step toward prevention.
1. Harmful Substances
a) Tobacco and Smoking
Cigarette smoke contains over 7,000 chemicals, many of which are toxic and carcinogenic. Smoking increases the risk of lung cancer, heart disease, stroke, and chronic respiratory illnesses.
b) Excessive Alcohol Consumption
Regular heavy drinking can damage the liver, weaken the immune system, raise blood pressure, and increase the risk of certain cancers.
c) Junk and Processed Foods
High levels of sugar, unhealthy fats, and sodium can lead to obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure.
2. Unhealthy Lifestyle Habits
- Physical Inactivity: A sedentary lifestyle increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, weakens muscles, and contributes to weight gain.
- Sleep Deprivation: Chronic lack of sleep impairs brain function, weakens immunity, and accelerates aging.
- Stress Overload: Long-term stress raises cortisol levels, affecting the heart, digestion, and mental health.
3. Environmental Hazards
- Air Pollution: Exposure to polluted air can trigger asthma, lung infections, and long-term respiratory damage.
- Contaminated Water: Drinking unsafe water may cause gastrointestinal diseases and other infections.
- Noise Pollution: Prolonged exposure to loud noise can cause hearing loss, stress, and sleep disturbances.
4. Addictive Behaviors
Apart from drugs, digital addictions — like excessive screen time and gaming — can disrupt sleep cycles, harm mental health, and reduce physical activity.
Quick Table: Examples of Injurious Factors & Their Effects
| Factor | Main Health Risks |
|---|---|
| Smoking | Cancer, heart disease, lung damage |
| Excessive Alcohol | Liver damage, hypertension, cancer |
| Junk Food | Obesity, diabetes, heart disease |
| Sedentary Lifestyle | Weak muscles, poor circulation |
| Air Pollution | Asthma, lung cancer |
| Stress | Heart strain, anxiety, depression |
Conclusion:
Avoiding harmful substances and habits, while adopting a balanced diet, regular exercise, and stress management, can drastically reduce health risks. Prevention is always better — and easier — than cure.
If you want, I can also make a student-friendly version of this article with simpler language and easy examples.
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