%3Amax_bytes(150000)%3Astrip_icc()%3Afocal(749x0%3A751x2)%2Fman-hungover-sofa-042525-1-bcabfaa215f14bb0bf73d0fec412129a.jpg)
Risky Behaviors and Health Impact
A study spanning over 30 years found that smoking, heavy drinking, and physical inactivity begin to adversely affect physical and mental health by age 36.
The researchers, led by Dr. Tiia Kekäläinen, emphasized that these habits contribute to poorer mental and physical health, with smoking linked to mental health issues, heavy drinking affecting both, and lack of exercise primarily impacting physical health.
Importance of Early Intervention and Lifestyle Changes
Adopting healthier habits early can prevent the cumulative damage of these vices, reducing the risk of non-communicable diseases like heart disease and cancer, which account for a significant portion of global deaths.
The study highlights that while it's beneficial to start healthy habits early, it's never too late for changes to have positive effects, even in midlife.