Top 6 Health Mistakes That Most of Us Make

Today we take a broader look at health. Most of us feel that the 'rules' about health are fairly flexible … that we can take the cheap multivitamin instead of the whole food multivitamin with little difference, that we can have an extra painkiller when our headache won’t go away, and that putting off a doctor's visit won't really matter. Actually, all of these things can have serious consequences for your health! Today we look at the top health mistakes that most of us make, from buying generic herbal supplements instead of respected products like Garden of Life, to cutting all sorts of health-related corners.

1. Thinking that switching to diet soda will hep you lose weight
   If a simple switch from Coke to Diet Coke were all that occurred, this would be true. In practice though, almost everybody tends to 'spend' some of the calories that they just 'saved' … usually on a 3,000 kJ muffin or another slice of 1,500kJ pizza. Always think of your calorie intake in total terms - keep a food diary if it helps. You can also try herbal supplements like FucoThin by Garden of Life.
2. Not getting a second opinion
   Doctors have done a lot of training. But they aren’t infallible, and they aren't all created equal. Before undertaking any major treatment, always get a second opinion.
3. Taking extra acetaminophen
   We all do this to try to hurry up the effects when we can’t stand a headache any longer. However, too much acetaminophen can and does cause liver damage, and actually kills around 100 people per year.
4. Quitting prescribed medication
   Whether they are antibiotics or anti-depressants, many medications have as many side effects to coming off them as going on them. Always 'go off' a medication under medical supervision.
5. Not following up
   If we are generally feeling healthy after a doctor's visit, most of us neglect to fulfil the follow-up appointment. However, they aren't just profit mongering … in many cases they actually do need to perform further tests to make sure you are healthy, and give you advice to keep you that way.
6. Drinking too much/smoking cigarettes
   Both of these activities have underestimated health implications. Many people think that social smoking, or social drinking is okay … in fact both of these greatly increase your risk of many major health conditions.