9 Modern Health Threats that ACTUALLY Matter

By Dr. Scott Olson, ND Posted December 26, 2024

The world is a scary place sometimes. It can feel like we’re surrounded by health threats and forced to seek out miracle cures to fix them.

But here’s the thing. When everything feels so urgent, it’s easy to get caught up in minor concerns while overlooking the real threats to your wellbeing.

While debates about the dangers of things like using our microwaves continue to rage, the truth is that many of these perceived risks will have minimal impact on your long-term health.

So, what SHOULD we be concerned about? I’m glad you asked…

Here are my picks for the top NINE modern health threats that deserve our attention…

1. Sedentary Lifestyle: Far too many of us spend most of our day sitting at a desk or on the couch. That sedentary lifestyle can sneak up on us, raising our risks for heart problems and other health issues. The good news is that just getting up and moving more throughout the day can make a big difference.
2. Poor Diet: When it comes to food, we all know the struggle—it’s so easy to grab those ultra-processed convenience foods or swing by the drive-thru. But our bodies require fresh fruits, veggies, and whole grains to stay healthy and ward off threats like diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.
3. Chronic Stress: Stress affects pretty much everyone these days. When you’re constantly under pressure, it doesn’t just mess with your mind. It can also wear down your body. In fact, chronic stress contributes to anxiety, depression, heart disease, and weakened immune function. Practices like yoga, meditation, deep breathing, and prayer can help you manage stress.
4. Poor Sleep: All too often we sacrifice sleep, but missing out on those precious hours of rest can throw our whole system off balance. Lack of quality sleep is linked to a host of health problems, including obesity, cardiovascular disease, and cognitive function. Prioritize sleep by aiming for at least seven hours a night and sticking to a schedule.
5. Smoking and Drinking: Smoking and drinking too much alcohol are a classic combo of bad habits. These remain two of the biggest threats to our health and are major risk factors for various cancers, liver disease, and cardiovascular problems. Quit smoking and ditch the drinking or limit it to an occasional indulgence.
6. Environmental Pollution: The air we breathe matters more than you might think. Exposure to air pollution, particularly in urban areas, can lead to respiratory issues and increase your risk of heart disease and stroke. Consider using an air purifier with a HEPA filter in your home and change the filter often. And wearing an N-95 mask outside is a good idea on high-pollution days.
7. Neglecting Preventive Care: If you’ve been putting off regular check-ups, screenings, and vaccinations, it’s time to turn over a new leaf. Catching health issues early can help prevent serious health conditions from developing and make a massive difference in how well treatments work.
8. Social Isolation: Recently, we’ve come to understand how vital our social connections are. Staying in touch with friends and family isn’t just about having fun. The lack of these relationships is linked to mental and physical health issues. Reach out to those in your circle to connect more often. A quick phone call or casual coffee date can do wonders for your health and wellbeing.
9. Distracted Driving: Using smartphones and texting while driving causes accidents, injuries, and deaths. Don’t do it and encourage your kids and grandkids not to do it either.

While curiosity about potential health risks is natural, maintaining perspective is essential. Focus on addressing these nine well-established risk factors instead of fixating on minor or unproven threats.

Simple lifestyle changes like eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, managing stress, and getting enough sleep can profoundly impact your overall health and wellbeing.

Remember, health is about the BIG picture. So, when you prioritize genuine threats, you can take meaningful steps toward living a longer, healthier life.

P.S. [ALERT] Could you be breathing in CANCER?

Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND

Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.

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