health care

Implementation of a satisfactory regimen to ensure long-lasting good health. Life expectancy is determined by the overall efficiency of the body's vital organs and the rate at which these organs deteriorate. Fundamental health care concerns include:

Smoking this is strongly linked to heart disease, stroke, bronchitis, lung cancer, and other serious diseases

Exercise regular physical exercise improves fitness, slows down the gradual decline in efficiency of the heart and lungs, and so helps to prolong life

Diet a healthy diet contains plenty of vegetable fibre, complex carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and enzymes, and polyunsaturated fats (which keep the level of blood cholesterol low), not saturated (animal) fats (which contribute to cholesterol storage in blood vessels)

Weight obesity (defined as generally being 20% or more above the desirable weight for age, sex, build, and height) is associated with many potentially dangerous conditions, such as coronary heart disease, diabetes, and stroke, as well as muscular and joint problems, and breathing difficulties

Alcohol recommended maximum intake is no more than 21 units of alcohol a week for men, no more than 14 for women (one glass of beer or wine or a single ounce of liquor is equivalent to one unit.) Doctors recommend at least two alcohol-free days a week. Excessive alcohol intake may lead to dependence and causes liver damage, which suppresses the immune system and may be fatal (see cirrhosis).