Page 21 - The Regent Digest Volume 13 Issue 45

The Cumulative Effect of Habits

Prevention Begins with

Bad habits don’t usually cause instant harm,
but they accumulate. A single cigarette or a Awareness
night of poor sleep isn’t deadly, but poor diet,
inactivity, substance use, and chronic stress
can silently affect our heart, brain, immunity, Many health problems from bad

and organs sooner than we think. habits can be avoided. Stay
informed, start small, and choose
Early Warning Signs to Watch
healthier actions.
The body often gives early warning signs within
weeks or months of adopting unhealthy habits:
• Sleep deprivation: Fatigue, mood swings, Key Healthy Habits
poor focus
• Poor diet: Weight gain, stomach issues,

high blood pressure
• Lack of exercise: Low energy, weak Body
muscles, poor heart health
Eat well, drink water, exercise
• Smoking/alcohol: Silent lung and liver
daily, sleep 8–10 hours, avoid
strain
substances, stay clean, protect
your skin, and get regular check-
Silent Impact: What You Can’t See Can Still
ups.
Hurt You
Some of the most dangerous outcomes

develop without symptoms, such as high Mind
blood pressure, insulin resistance, and high
Manage stress, practise
cholesterol. These “silent killers” progress
mindfulness, talk about feelings,
internally and may not show signs until serious
set goals, and be kind to yourself.
damage has occurred.

Social Life
When Bad Habits Begin: Teenage Years &

Beyond
Choose good company, use social
Bad habits often start during teenage years or
media wisely, respect boundaries,
early adulthood due to peer pressure, irregular
and ask trusted adults for help.
schedules, new independence, and stress. If left
unaddressed, these habits become harder to
break and have greater health consequences
in adulthood.
By Ezeomedo Justina
Danfodio Hostel Matron

THE REGENT SECONDARY SCHOOL 21