These 7 often overlooked habits that sabotage your health

We know the obvious ones -- smoking, fast food, and not watching our weight. But these seven sneaky habits are just as bad for our health. Are you guilty of these health blunders?

 

1. Driving everywhere

 

Whenever possible, walk or cycle instead, for example when going grocery shopping within your neighbourhood. You'll not only help cut down on environmental pollution, you'll stay fit too! Just 30 minutes of walking everyday -- even broken down into three 10-minute sessions -- can lead to increased energy and weight loss.

2. Skipping regular gyno check-ups

 

We know, nobody likes them! But an annual pelvic exam is an essential tool for keeping your reproductive system healthy and detecting problems like cervical cancer early, so make sure you see your gynaecologist for your yearly Pap smear check-up.

3. Not eating enough fruits and veggies

 

Nearly three out of every four people repeatedly don't eat the recommended five to nine servings of fruits and vegetables a day needed to reduce our risk of disease. And it's not that hard: An entrée-size salad can pack in three veggie servings, a half-cup of cooked spinach equals a veggie serving, and one medium-sized banana makes a fruit serving.

4. Not eating enough bone-building nutrients

 

Dairy products like skimmed milk, low-fat cheese and yogurt are packed with calcium and vitamin D, both of which will help you avoid osteoporosis and risk of bone fractures later in life. If you're worried about running up a deficit, ask your doctor to recommend a daily calcium supplement for you.

5. Not strength-training enough

 

Weight-training strengthens bones and tones muscles. The result? A shaplier physique plus increased metabolic rate. And pumping iron doesn't take much -- you'll see the benefits by just training three times per week, 10 minutes at a time.

6. Eating in front of the TV

 

Watching TV makes it too easy to mindlessly eat, thus leading us to overeat. Instead, make it a family habit to eat together at the dinner table. This way, you'll also create more time to reconnect with one another over meals.

7. Putting up with secondhand smoke

 

You don't have to be a smoker for smoking to harm you. You can also have health problems from breathing in tobacco smoke from other people. Only zero exposure is safe.