Advances in technology and social changes have completely transformed the way we live. While this shift has mainly been positive in a lot of respects, it has nevertheless been most detrimental to our health. A lot of the illnesses that used to plague humanity for centuries have, thankfully, been neutralized, but others have taken their place. Let’s take a look at some of the most common lifestyle-related health problems and their causes.

Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) 

If you step back for a second and take the time to observe yourself and those around you, you will soon notice that we spend our lives staring at a screen. Most jobs include computers, and even when we are done with work, our communication, entertainment, news, and shopping keep us glued to our laptop, phone, tablet or e-reader. It is no wonder then that our eyes are suffering. The number of people who wear glasses or contacts has been steadily on the rise in the past two decades, and today a whopping 61% of the population uses some sort of visual aid.

The most common symptoms of CVS are eye strain, headaches, blurriness, and eye irritation. The best ways to prevent CVS is to limit screen time, if possible, and monitor your eye health regularly. That’s why, today, specialist eye tests in Sydney are tailored to every patient’s individual needs, taking into consideration their age, needs, budget, and current state.

Heart and vascular disease

Heart and vascular disease are some of the most common and deadliest health problems in the world today. The past century has seen a complete transformation in the way people earn a living, and this change is exactly what has contributed the most to the risk of heart disease. Most of us lead a hopelessly sedentary life: we sit at work, drive everywhere, then sit some more at home. Our bodies get as much food as it wants, but not nearly enough exercise. The American Heart Association recommends at least 150 hours of moderate exercise per week, and how many of us can say they follow this guideline? Combine that with stress and a less than ideal diet, and it shouldn’t come as a surprise that so many of us suffer from cholesterol, high lipid levels, high blood pressure, arrhythmia, blood clots and other heart and vascular issues.

To prevent or alleviate already existing issues, we should exercise regularly, maintain a healthy body mass index, avoid alcohol and cigarettes, and keep stress levels low.

Mental health issues

Mental health issues have turned into a veritable epidemic. The most common ones are anxiety, depression, and different eating disorders. The stress of earning a living that has always been present is now only a tiny piece of the puzzle. We are expected to feel happy, thankful and blessed every second of every day. Everything, from rearing children, to physical appearance, to career accomplishments, to trivial details has turned into a race and comparison with others.

We interact not with real people, but their constructed personas on the internet. The pressure to perform and be perfect in every aspect of life is immense. As a result, people start to cave. A quarter of the world’s population suffers from anxiety. To avoid becoming one of them (or get better if you already are), try to exercise and eat a balanced diet. Hang out with family and friends, take up a hobby, and use meditation for stress relief. Most importantly, set realistic goals for yourself.

The challenges of staying healthy in the face of these new circumstances are difficult to overcome, but it can be done. Take the time to listen to the needs of your body and mind, and be kind to yourself.

Related:
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