Old habits Die Hard
Because of the way millions of people live, the approach to looking at how people die has changed. The number one killer of people worldwide is themselves.
In June, the World Health Organization released a statement that broke down the numbers of the people dying from chronic diseases. “Chronic diseases, such as heart disease, stroke, cancer, chronic respiratory diseases and diabetes, are by far the leading cause of mortality in the world, representing 63% of all deaths. Out of the 36 million people who died from chronic disease in 2008, 29% were under 60 and half were women.”
“The average life expectancy will decrease, especially if people continue with improper diet and smoking. The average age could lower to the 50s,” said senior biology pre-professional major Chanel Johnson.
Dr. Odell McCants, medical director of the Spartan Health Center, sees the trends of the world and notices that better life choices have to be made.
“Unwillingly or willingly, people are committing a slow suicide. If you want to be healthy, then you have to use common sense.”
McCants has advice that can lower the amount of deaths that are occurring around the globe.
“People have to stop smoking and being around people who smoke and use tobacco products. Limit the intake of refined sugar and processed food. Supplement critical vitamins and anti-oxidants have been stripped from soil by modern agricultural techniques.”
He believes students should exercise at least 30 minutes, three days a week.
Junior history major Terrence Allen goes above McCants’ recommendations and exercises four days a week for at least an hour and 15 minutes each time. Allen encourages his friends to go with him and he knows the importance of being healthy.
“No one knows how long they are going to live. Exercising and eating smart is important because we all want long, successful lives,” said Allen.
On Sept. 20, Dr. Ian Smith, creator and founder of the 50 Million Pound Challenge, visited NSU to encourage health and exercising. Information like this is necessary for people to be more aware of their lifestyle habits.
“I think it is sad that we don’t pay enough attention because those chronic diseases can be avoided and we should all pay attention to our health,” said junior business marketing major Raghib Tyler.
The saying “old habits die hard” never sounded so poignant. If people cannot change their habits, then the things they enjoy doing now may end up killing them.