Latest news with #LaureaUniversityofAppliedSciences
Yahoo
29-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Scientists reveal exact moment alcohol, smoking and lack of exercise starts to wreak havoc on your body
Many people employ the adage that you're only young once to justify making the most of your teens and twenties, yet new information from scientists gives a different meaning to the saying as the effects of smoking, drinking, and a lack of exercise are revealed. It's not exactly rocket science to understand that unhealthy habits aren't the best for your body, yet it's often chalked off as something you can deal with and sort out down the line while current you doesn't have to face the problem. Doctors have already warned that consuming too much unhealthy food can lead to a premature death, and even 'miracle' weight loss drugs like Ozempic can't make up for an unhealthy lifestyle. However, one new scientific study has revealed the exact moment that your body begins to experience the long-term negative effects of harmful habits like smoking, excessive drinking, and a lack of exercise, and it's likely to shock you with how early it occurs. As reported by the New York Post, the study published in Annals of Medicine by researchers from the Laurea University of Applied Sciences in Finland outlines that you begin to experience fast-tracked negative effects as early as your mid thirties. Dr. Tiia Kekäläinen, lead author of the study, has argued that its findings highlight the importance of tackling these 'bad habits' as early as possible, as they can have an extremely detrimental effect on your body and health as you age. Previous studies have linked high alcohol consumption with increased mortality rates, and worrying simulations showing the effect of binge drinking in the short term are certainly enough to give you pause for thought when it comes to your next pint or shot. Alcohol, as illustrated by the study, is linked to outcomes including increased depressive symptoms, lower psychological well-being, lower self-rated health, and greater metabolic risk factors, proving to be a dangerous cocktail of health issues that'll hit you sooner than you might think. If you're a keen smoker, you're also at risk of poorer mental well-being, whereas those who shy away from physical activity in their teens and twenties are often susceptible to health conditions as they grow older. The research conducted within the paper concludes that these behaviors "were associated with poorer mental well-being and health," insisting that "preventing these behaviors early in adulthood and midlife is crucial to avoid their accumulation and subsequent health risks." You certainly shouldn't see your life as a closed book though with no chance to amend your health, as Dr. Kekäläinen has urged that "it is never too late to change to healthier habits. Adopting healthier habits in midlife also has benefits for older age." Therefore there's no reason you can't make a change in your life, as while the effects have been shown to begin relatively early on in life, they'll only continue to grow and get worse if a shift to a healthier lifestyle isn't made.
The Irish Sun
26-04-2025
- Health
- The Irish Sun
The age where smoking, drinking and lack of exercise starts to wreck your body – and it's younger than you think
WORRYING about your health after a night out or weekend on the sofa probably sounds like an old person's game. But scientists have found we might suffer sooner than we think from the impact of too little exercise, too much booze and a smoking habit. Advertisement 1 People started to feel the health effects of bad habits in their 30s in a study (stock image) Credit: Getty Research by the Laurea University of Applied Sciences in Finland tracked the health of hundreds of kids born in 1959 into their 60s. They had health checks at ages 27, 36, 42, 50 and 61, including full medical exams from 42 onwards. Results showed that laziness, alcohol and fags all led to worse physical or mental health – and the effects kicked in in people's 30s. The more habits someone had, and the longer they continued them, the greater the impact on factors like heart risk or depression. Advertisement Read more on health Most health behaviours are adopted before age 30 and their effect may have already accumulated years before mid-life Dr Tiia Kekäläinen Laurea University of Applied Sciences, Finland Study author Dr Tiia Kekäläinen said these people had already begun to rate their health worse by the time they were 36, in 1995. Writing in the journal Annals of Medicine, she said: 'Our findings suggest that the associations were mainly similar from age 36 to 61, so the effect of risky behaviours exists already at age 36. 'While 'It is important to consider that most health behaviours are adopted before age 30 and their effect may have already accumulated years before mid-life.' Advertisement Most read in Health About 80 per cent of adults in the UK regularly drink alcohol and 12 per cent smoke cigarettes. Two thirds are overweight or obese and about one third do not get enough exercise. Around three quarters of us die from illnesses that could have been prevented or at least delayed by cleaner living. In recent years diseases linked to unhealthy lifestyles, such as type 2 diabetes, heart diseases and cancer, have increased in younger adults. Advertisement Figures show Brits are needing joint replacements at younger ages, early-onset bowel cancer cases are rising and people's mental health is getting worse. Dr Kekäläinen added: 'Diseases such as heart disease and cancer cause almost three-quarters of deaths worldwide. 'But by following a healthy lifestyle, someone can cut their risk of developing these illnesses and reduce their odds of an early death. 'Our findings highlight the importance of tackling risky health behaviours, such as smoking, heavy drinking and physical inactivity, as early as possible to prevent the damage they do to from building up over the years.' Advertisement How much exercise should you do and when? There are guidelines issued by the NHS and the Government regarding how much exercise people should do each day. People should be active daily, and avoid sitting for long periods. The NHS recommends an adults – those aged 19 to 64 – should aim for 150 minutes of 'moderate intensity activity' a week. This works out to 21 minutes a day, or 30 minutes five days a week. Or, they could do 75 minutes of vigorous activity per week, which could be less than 11 minutes per day or 25 minutes three days a week. Adults should also aim to do strength exercises twice a week, at least. Examples of moderate-intensity activities include brisk walking, water aerobics, riding a bike, dancing, doubles tennis, pushing a lawn mower, hiking or rollerblading. Examples of vigorous activities include running, swimming, riding a bike fast or on hills, walking up the stairs, sports, like football, rugby, netball and hockey, skipping, aerobics, gymnastics or martial arts. Things like lifting heavy weights, sprinting up hills, spin classes or circuit training are considered very vigorous. What time should you exercise? Getting exercise into your day, no matter what time is a good idea. But you may want to be more selective depending on your goal. Researchers found that early-bird gym goers had a lower body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference than those working out later. A 2022 study led by Prof Paul J Arciero, Skidmore College, New York, found that the optimal time of day to get your kit on might differ according to your gender. Prof Arciero said women wanting to lose fat around their belly and hips would do better to hit the gym in the morning, but those seeking to gain upper body strength or simply improve their mood might see more results from evening exercise. The results were the opposite for men. If you Exercise, generally, can improve sleep quality.
Time of India
25-04-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Young and in denial? Scientists reveal the exact age when habits like smoking and drinking begin to damage your mind and body
For decades, young adults have brushed off warnings about the dangers of drinking, smoking, and skipping workouts, often believing that their bodies are too young, too resilient, or simply too far from old age to suffer the consequences. But a compelling new study out of Finland might just shatter that illusion—and not a moment too soon. #Pahalgam Terrorist Attack India pulled the plug on IWT when Pakistanis are fighting over water What makes this India-Pakistan standoff more dangerous than past ones The problem of Pakistan couldn't have come at a worse time for D-St The Age When Youthful Indulgence Turns into Lifelong Damage Scientists at the Laurea University of Applied Sciences have identified a sobering turning point: by age 36, the effects of a party-fueled, sedentary lifestyle begin to show up in measurable declines in both physical and mental health. That's right—what many consider the prime of life might already be marred by the lingering damage of habits picked up in the teens and twenties. The study tracked 326 individuals from the Finnish city of Jyväskylä, born in 1959, over several decades. Researchers recorded detailed health and lifestyle data at key intervals—ages 27, 36, 42, 50, and 61. By the time the study ended, 120 participants had already passed away, and the patterns were hard to ignore. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Play War Thunder now for free War Thunder Play Now Undo Lead researcher Dr. Tiia Kekäläinen put it bluntly: 'Our findings highlight the importance of tackling risky health behaviors, such as smoking, heavy drinking and physical inactivity, as early as possible to prevent the damage they do from building up over the years.' The Real Impact of Those "Harmless" Habits The study made some shocking correlations. Smoking was closely associated with poor mental health. Individuals who exercised less than once a week saw a noticeable decline in physical wellbeing. And alcohol? It took a toll on both body and mind. You Might Also Like: Can just 11 minutes of walking increase your lifespan? New study offers surprising insight These weren't just surface-level effects. The implications ran deep—potentially contributing to chronic diseases and even premature death. The researchers stressed that while young people often assume they'll have time to 'fix' their health later, the reality is that the cumulative damage may already be underway long before the first grey hair appears. No, It's Not Too Late—But Don't Wait Despite the grim findings, the study isn't all bad news. In fact, Dr. Kekäläinen offers a hopeful note: it's never too late to change. Even making lifestyle improvements in your 30s or 40s can significantly reduce your risk of diseases like cancer and heart disease and improve quality of life in older age. 'Non-communicable diseases such as heart disease and cancer cause almost three-quarters of deaths worldwide,' he explained. 'But by following a healthy lifestyle, an individual can cut their risk of developing these illnesses and reduce their odds of an early death.' So while the clock may be ticking faster than expected, it's still in your hands. For anyone who ever thought that beer at brunch, a pack a week, and skipping leg day wouldn't catch up to them—science just dropped a wake-up call. You Might Also Like: 101-year-old nutritionist says longevity is no fluke. Shares timeless rules for a long, healthy life Are you listening? You Might Also Like: Has Bryan Johnson's anti-aging experiment backfired? Biohacker spending $2 million-a-year admits to a costly misstep
New York Post
25-04-2025
- Health
- New York Post
New study shows exact age smoking, drinking triggers health issues
Live fast, face health issues young. People who had an unhealthy relationship with smoking, drinking and exercise early in life ended up on the fast track to mental and physical health troubles by their mid-30s, according to a new study by the Laurea University of Applied Sciences in Finland. 'Our findings highlight the importance of tackling risky health behaviors, such as smoking, heavy drinking and physical inactivity, as early as possible to prevent the damage they do to from building up over the years,' lead author Dr. Tiia Kekäläinen said in a news release on April 24. Advertisement 3 Individuals with poor habits early in life can encounter significant issues by the time they reach their mid-30s. urbazon Issues caused by bad habits can arise as early as the age of 36, the study showed. Researchers found that there is an increased risk for health issues and depression as the individual increasingly participates in smoking, drinking and physical inactivity. Advertisement More specifically, the study found that smoking was linked to poor mental health, exercising less than once a week was linked to poor physical health and alcohol led to a decline in both mental and physical health. According to numbers from the study and data from Alcohol Change UK, a heavy drinker is considered to be a man who consumes approximately 735 12 ounce bottles of 5% ABV beer per year and a woman who consumes approximately 515 ounce bottles of 5% ABV beer per year. But the heavy drinking classification can change depending on the type of beverage a person consumed, per Alcohol Change UK. 3 The study found that smoking was linked to poor mental health. Sophonnawit Inkaew Advertisement 'Non-communicable diseases such as heart disease and cancer cause almost three-quarters of deaths worldwide,' Dr. Kekäläinen added. 'But by following a healthy lifestyle, an individual can cut their risk of developing these illnesses and reduce their odds of an early death.' The study followed the mental and physical health of hundreds of people born in 1959 in the southern Finnish city of Jyväskylä. The participants' data was collected when they were 27 (1986), 36 (1995), 42 (2001), 50 (2009) and 61 (2020-2021). 3 Heavy drinkers saw a decline in both mental and physical health. ZzzVuk Advertisement The study initially involved 326 participants and ultimately ended with 206 participants. Even though the study concluded that 'preventing these behaviors early in adulthood and midlife is crucial to avoid their accumulation and subsequent health risks,' Dr. Kekäläinen suggested that people can still make positive changes that could impact the rest of their lives. 'However, it is never too late to change to healthier habits. Adopting healthier habits in midlife also has benefits for older age,' said Dr. Kekäläinen. Dr. Kekäläinen warned that these results may differ for younger generations due to 'cultural and societal changes and partly different risky behaviors occurring nowadays.' A 2023 Gallup survey found that roughly 38% of adults under 35 claim they never drink, representing a 10% increase compared to what was reported two decades prior. The study's authors add that they did not examine the participants' dietary habits and suggest that other factors should be considered in future studies.
Scottish Sun
24-04-2025
- Health
- Scottish Sun
The age where smoking, drinking and lack of exercise starts to wreck your body – and it's younger than you think
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) WORRYING about your health after a night out or weekend on the sofa probably sounds like an old person's game. But scientists have found we might suffer sooner than we think from the impact of too little exercise, too much booze and a smoking habit. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 People started to feel the health effects of bad habits in their 30s in a study (stock image) Credit: Getty Research by the Laurea University of Applied Sciences in Finland tracked the health of hundreds of kids born in 1959 into their 60s. They had health checks at ages 27, 36, 42, 50 and 61, including full medical exams from 42 onwards. Results showed that laziness, alcohol and fags all led to worse physical or mental health – and the effects kicked in in people's 30s. The more habits someone had, and the longer they continued them, the greater the impact on factors like heart risk or depression. Most health behaviours are adopted before age 30 and their effect may have already accumulated years before mid-life Dr Tiia Kekäläinen Study author Dr Tiia Kekäläinen said these people had already begun to rate their health worse by the time they were 36, in 1995. Writing in the journal Annals of Medicine, she said: 'Our findings suggest that the associations were mainly similar from age 36 to 61, so the effect of risky behaviours exists already at age 36. 'While risky health behaviours in mid-life have previously been associated with unfavourable health in old age, these associations exist already in earlier adulthood. 'It is important to consider that most health behaviours are adopted before age 30 and their effect may have already accumulated years before mid-life.' About 80 per cent of adults in the UK regularly drink alcohol and 12 per cent smoke cigarettes. Two thirds are overweight or obese and about one third do not get enough exercise. Around three quarters of us die from illnesses that could have been prevented or at least delayed by cleaner living. In recent years diseases linked to unhealthy lifestyles, such as type 2 diabetes, heart diseases and cancer, have increased in younger adults. Figures show Brits are needing joint replacements at younger ages, early-onset bowel cancer cases are rising and people's mental health is getting worse. Dr Kekäläinen added: 'Diseases such as heart disease and cancer cause almost three-quarters of deaths worldwide. 'But by following a healthy lifestyle, someone can cut their risk of developing these illnesses and reduce their odds of an early death. 'Our findings highlight the importance of tackling risky health behaviours, such as smoking, heavy drinking and physical inactivity, as early as possible to prevent the damage they do to from building up over the years.'
