Dr. Jess Andrade, a sports medicine specialist and pediatric doctor in Massachusetts, is advising her TikTok followers on four bad habits to avoid: vaping, pulling all-nighters, exercising for less than 150 minutes a week, and consuming too many artificial ingredients and preservatives. For vaping, Andrade shared a picture of popcorn lung, also known as bronchiolitis obliterans, which damages small airways and makes breathing difficult. The main culprit is diacetyl, a chemical used to give a buttery flavor to popcorn, which is now added to e-cigarettes for a similar taste.
Statistics from September show a decrease in the number of U.S. middle and high school students using e-cigarettes in the past 30 days, which is a positive sign that teens are taking Andrade’s advice to quit vaping. Additionally, besides causing bronchiolitis obliterans, vaping can lead to lung cancer, organ damage, heart disease, asthma, breathing problems, and other health conditions. Andrade emphasizes the importance of avoiding vaping to protect lung health and overall well-being.
Another habit Andrade warns against is not sleeping for 24 hours, which she likens to being legally drunk. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention state that being awake for 17 hours is equivalent to a blood alcohol concentration of 0.05%, and 24 hours is similar to 0.10%. Experts recommend getting seven to nine hours of sleep per night to avoid health risks associated with poor sleep, such as diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, anxiety, and other chronic conditions.
In terms of physical activity, Andrade stresses the importance of meeting the guidelines set by the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, which recommend 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity and two days of muscle strengthening per week for adults. Failing to reach this threshold increases the risk of various diseases, including heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, cancers, obesity, high blood pressure, and stroke. Exercise is crucial in maintaining overall health and reducing the likelihood of developing these serious health conditions.
Consuming too many artificial ingredients and preservatives found in processed foods is another habit to avoid, as it can lead to various health issues such as obesity, diabetes, depression, heart disease, heart attacks, stroke, and high blood pressure. Andrade warns against relying on ultra-processed foods in the diet, emphasizing the importance of eating whole, nutrient-rich foods to support overall health. By reducing the intake of artificial ingredients and preservatives, individuals can protect themselves from the negative health effects associated with these additives.
Overall, Andrade’s advice focuses on promoting healthy habits to prevent serious health issues and improve overall well-being. By avoiding vaping, getting enough quality sleep, engaging in regular physical activity, and minimizing the consumption of artificial ingredients and preservatives, individuals can enhance their health and reduce the risk of developing chronic diseases. Andrade’s recommendations serve as a reminder of the importance of taking care of one’s physical health through lifestyle choices and habits that support long-term well-being.
