Ten BAD Things That Are GOOD For You

By: Kenneth Pagdanganan

1. Listening to Loud Music

There is a scientific proof that the greater the music’s intensity the more pleasure it
brings, according to a research from the University of Manchester. It’s al down to the vestibular
system, which is responsible for balance but also carries vibration; when sound waves set it off, it
sends a positive message to the brain.

BUT WATCH OUT! It is considered safe to listen to 85 decibels for 8 hours, but if these
increases to 88 decibels; you should halve the length of time.

2. Texting

In our Philippines alone, about 400 million messages are sent in a day which you may see
another category of human interaction. Yet, a survey by YouGov, an international internet-based
market research firm, found that 43 per cent of respondents felt mobile phones improved family
communications. Texting may be a good way to keep in touch.

BUT WATCH OUT! Doctors advise against spending more than 5-10 minutes texting, to
avoid repetitive strain injury. So spread the load by using all the fingers.

3. Running down the streets

Researchers at Monash University in Victoria, Australia, followed 300 adults aged

between 50 and 79 over a decade and found that cartilage volume increased in those who
exercised the most. Another study at California’s Stanford University found out that regular
running can also reduce pain. So does this mean that older people with arthritis should exercise?
“Yes,” says Dr Adam Bajkowski, President of the Primary Care Rheumatology Society, UK. “The
more you exercise the joints, the stronger they become.”

BUT WATCH OUT! Older people should always get medical assessment before taking
up a new activity.

4. Being a Bit Overweight

If you worry that being even a few kilograms over your target weight is a death sentence,
bother no more. A US study of the mortality rates of 2.3 million people found that those with
Body Mass Index (BMI) of 25 to 30 – technically “overweight” – were no more likely to die of
cardiovascular diseases and cancer than those with a “healthy” BMI of 18.5 to 25. So if you are
generally fit and active, then carrying a few pounds is not worth stressing over.

BUT WATCH OUT! Doctors advise keeping your BMI no higher than 27 to avoid health
risks.

5. Full Fat Dairy

 A study at the University of Wales of 2735 men over 25 years showed that those who
consumed the most full-fat dairy than low-fat or no-fat were 63 per cent less likely to develop
“metabolic syndrome,” a cluster of symptoms such as high blood pressure, blood lipids and
glucose levels that can lead to diabetes, heart diseases and stroke.

BUT WATCH OUT! Full-fat dairy is only going to have these benefits as part of a
balanced diet.

6. Booze

If you are a beer drinker, take heart: studies show that beer is rich in Vitamin B6 that can
prevent the build-up of homocysteine, an amino acid, high levels of which have been linked to
heart attacks. What if you are a spirit-drinker? Well if you like a gin and tonic, you may want to
know that the quinine in tonic water (and bitter lemon) can prevent night cramps.

BUT WATCH OUT! Moderation is a must when it comes to drinking alcohol so you can
avoid health problems.

7. Caffeine

Several studies have flagged coffee as combating or delaying of development of

Parkinson’s disease. Another study in Japan found that middle-aged and older people drinking
coffee daily had half the rate of common liver canc. Also, as pick-me-up, caffeine doesn’t just
affect your mood – there’s evidence that it can enhance the performance of athletes.

BUT WATCH OUT! Moderation is still a must since it has been suggested that caffeine is
harmful to those with diabetes or hypertension.

8. Computer Games

They isolate children socially and distract them from learning, right? Think again.
Researchers have found that kids who clock up regular console time can improve hand-eye
coordination, their grip in science, even their IQ.

A 2002 study of 700 children found that simulation and adventure games such Sim City
and RollerCoaster Tycoon developed children’s strategic thinking and planning skills.

BUT WATCH OUT! Some games can create stress-like symptoms with younger children
more affected because they are less able to distinguish between fact and fiction. Ensure the
computer is somewhere you can see it.

9. Sugary Soft Drinks

Surely it is great that soft drinks come in diet form? But a 2005 study from the University
of Texas found that in a group of 622 participants studied over 8 years, those who regularly drank
 diet soft drinks were more likely to become overweight or obese than those drinking the same
amount of non-diet drink.

BUT WATCH OUT! To loose weight, you still have to cut down on calorie. Have one
sugar drink a week and enjoy it, rather than a lot of diet drinks that don’t satisfy you.

10. Being a Working Mom

A 2005 study found that women who combine a career with marriage and motherhood are
less likely to have poor health than those who stay at home or have no children. Another study in
UK, following British men and women born in 1946 throughout their lives, also found that 38 per
cent of long-term homemakers were obese by their fifties, compared with just 23 per cent who
had been working mothers.

BUT WATCH OUT! Lone working mothers were less healthy than ones with partners or
childless women (though still healthier than moms who didn’t work).

Source: Reader’s Digest