Accidents happen, but what if you didn’t notice? It’s totally possible. Everyday habits can have surprising health hazards. In small doses, these routines are harmless. But that’s exactly what makes them dangerous. These seemingly normal behaviors can and will take a toll on your body. There’s also a higher risk of injury. Some of these habits may even be related to your health problems.
Nix These Five Habits To Stay Healthy
1. Stop Wearing Flip Flops
Flip flops are the official shoes of summer. Sadly, these popular sandals will harm your feet. They don’t offer much arch support or shock absorption, two essentials of foot health. Most of your feet are exposed, too. This increases the risk of cuts, insect bites, sunburns, and other minor wounds. Plus, since your ankles don’t have support, you’re forced to grip the flip flops with your toes. In moderation, wearing flip flops are fine. They’re useful around the house or during short trips to the store. To be safe, choose high-quality leather sandals with decent support.1
2. Stop Wearing High Heels
Heels are just as bad. While they look stylish, high heels compromise your balance, increasing the risk for ankle injuries.2 These shoes also place pressure on your toes, causing them to crowd together. Pointed toes are even worse! According to the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society, this raises the chances for corns, calluses, and nerve problems.3 If you want to wear heels, go for smaller heel heights. Ditch the pointed toes and choose wider options. If possible, use them for short amounts of time.4
3. Stop Texting And Walking
Texting while walking is a recipe for disaster. Sure, it might feel productive, but your attention isn’t focused on your surroundings. Accidents will be far too easy. In fact, pedestrians who text take 2 seconds longer to cross an intersection. They’re also 4 times more likely to do things like ignore traffic signals or fail to look both ways.5 If you must be on your phone, step aside. You’ll avoid the dangers of walking into people, traffic, or phone poles!
4. Stop Cleaning With Cotton Swabs
It’s common for people to clean their ears with cotton swabs, but that doesn’t mean it’s safe. Experts recommend never putting anything in your ear, including cotton swabs. You can easily puncture your eardrum. Ear wax is meant to protect your ear. Your ear also actually cleans itself, so you don’t need to do anything. If you want to clean the outer canal, use a cloth or paper tissue.6
5. Stop Using The Computer
The computer is a normal part of life, but staring at a screen for hours poses many health risks. To start with, it forces you to sit in an awkward position. This can lead to poor posture over time.7 Repetitively typing and using a mouse will also stress out your hands, leading to wrist pain.8 Your eyesight will also take a hit. After prolonged screen time, eyestrain, blurry vision, and dry eyes are likely. To stay healthy, take frequent breaks. Sit in a comfortable, supportive chair. Make it a habit to blink and look away often.9
Adjusting your habits will take time. If it feels weird, know that it will be worth it. Your health will thank you.
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