When it comes to supporting your general wellness, eating nutritiously and staying active may rank high on your to-do list. But, staying healthy isn’t just about taking up new activities — it’s also about eliminating the bad ones. As a trusted health care provider in Anchorage, AK, Hillside Family Medicine LLC & Occupational Medicine highlights a few common things that could put your wellness at risk.

5 Habits That Could Put Your Health at Risk

1. Working in the Office

For most Americans, staying healthy means being able to go to work and earn money. Ironically, the office is full of germs. For example, one study found that a professional handshake could transfer more bacteria than a high-five. Beyond hands, keyboards, mouses, and other office supplies are covered in bacteria.  Make sure to wash your hands often and keep your work station or area clean and sanitize it regularly.

2. Eating Irregularly 

Common among individuals with hectic schedules, irregular eating can have an adverse effect on one’s metabolic rate. As a result, those skip meals during the day or overeat at night could put themselves at risk for obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and other related problems.

3. Sipping on Something Other Than Water

Powering through your day with drinks other than water — such as soda and coffee — can have a detrimental effect on your health. While it may seem that you’re quenching your thirst, non-water beverages won’t give you the hydration you need. If you aren’t getting enough water throughout the day, you might experience various symptoms including fatigue, headaches, and cramps.

4. Keeping Skin Uncovered

Even when you live in a snow-covered locale — such as Anchorage — it’s important to stay smart about skin protection. Anytime you expose your skin to the sun’s UV rays, you increase your risk of sun damage and skin cancer. As such, it’s best to cover up with clothing or a sunscreen with an appropriate SPF.

5. Taking Your Phone to Bed

A 2017 survey found that the average American adult spent over 10 hours a day consuming digital media, partially due to the high prevalence of smartphones. While the health care effects of screen time are still being studied, these devices can have a lingering effect on health well after you’ve shut your eyes. Specifically, the National Sleep Foundation® says devices that emit light can interrupt sleep patterns, which can impair alertness and ability to experience quality rest.

Taking stock of your daily activities — including the ones above — is a good start to evaluating your approach to wellness. However, you can get a much better assessment by visiting the health care specialists at Hillside Family Medicine LLC & Occupational Medicine for a routine wellness exam. This family-owned practice addresses every patient’s concerns and explores various ways to improve their health. You can learn more about their comprehensive services online or call (907) 344-0200 to schedule a convenient appointment.