Bad addiction

What Is Heavy Smoking?

There is no single, generally accepted definition for heavy smoking. A study reported in the September 2013 issue of the “International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health” defined heavy smoking as 20 or more cigarettes per day, or 20 or more pack-years.

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What Should My Cholesterol Levels Be at Age 29?

The guidelines for total cholesterol are the same for adults of all ages. Total cholesterol that's less than 200 mg/dL is desirable because it is associated with reduced heart disease risk. At 200 to 239, heart disease risk is borderline high, and anything above 239 mg/dL carries a high risk for heart disease.

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Pack of cigarettes on the restaurant table

How Dangerous Is Smoking a Pack Every Week?

Smoking has devastating health consequences, even if you smoke just a pack per week. An October 2005 study report published in "Tobacco Control" found that the relationship between smoking and adverse health consequences occurs even among people who smoke 1 to 4 cigarettes per day.

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How Does Diabetes Occur?

Diabetes is a metabolic condition in which the body does not properly regulate the glucose, or sugar, in the blood. When you eat carbohydrates, your body breaks them down into sugars, including glucose. Glucose is transported by the bloodstream to the cells, where it is used for energy.

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Cholesterol

At What Level Is Total Cholesterol Dangerous?

Cholesterol serves many important functions in your body, but too much is dangerous. Elevated cholesterol increases your risk for heart disease because it contributes to atherosclerosis, a disease in which fatty masses called plaques form inside arteries.

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Doctor with senior patient

Chronic Kidney Disease Stage 3 Diet

The primary objectives of a diet for stage 3 chronic kidney disease are to slow the progression of CKD and treat associated complications. A diet for CKD should support healthy blood pressure and blood sugar levels.

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smoking cigarette isolated

Smoking Peer Pressure Facts

Nearly all smokers started when they were young, and evidence shows that peer influence plays a significant role in determining who smokes and who doesn't. In 2012, the surgeon general of the U.S.

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Ibuprofen Side Effects on Kidneys

While adverse side effects to the kidneys from ibuprofen use are rare, risks do exist. When taken at the recommended dose of no more than 1,200 mg per day for a short duration, the risk of kidney harm from ibuprofen is minimal for most people.

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Three People Enjoying a Meal in a Chinese Restaurant

The Side Effects of Monosodium Glutamate (MSG)

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has classified the food additive monosodium glutamate as generally safe. Even so, some people report side effects after eating food containing MSG, which is commonly used as flavor enhancer in many restaurant meals and packaged foods.

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Honey

Can Diabetics Eat Molasses?

People with diabetes can eat small amounts of molasses as part of an overall healthy diet. According to the American Diabetes Association, the amount of carbohydrate consumed has a greater impact on blood sugar than does the type of carbohydrate consumed -- in this case, molasses.

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Multi-ethnic couple preparing food

Foods to Avoid With Kidney Problems

The kidneys filter waste from the blood and maintain the right balance of fluid in the body. They also play an important role in regulating blood pressure. In general, people with impaired kidney function are advised to eat a diet that supports healthy blood pressure and good blood sugar control.

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Jeans and centimeter

Healthy Waist Size & BMI

A burgeoning waist line may be doing more than keeping you out of your tight jeans; it could be shortening your life. Your waist size and body mass index are important indicators of increased health risk due to excess body fat.

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Crossfit instructor at the gym doing Exercise

CrossFit Football Workouts

CrossFit Football is a strength and conditioning program made specifically for athletes involved in football and similar sports, though anyone can follow the program. As the name indicates, it is based on CrossFit, a popular workout regimen rooted in functional movements performed at high intensity.

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