Important Body and Health Questions Answered

Here are a few everyday health-related questions that you should know the answers to.

What is the 2^nd leading cause of death in America?

Many people already know that the top cause of death in America is complications from heart disease, but what is the 2^nd leading cause of death? As you can probably guess, cancer is the second leading cause of death in America. Lung cancer is the leading cause of deaths from cancer.

Why are Trans Fats bad for you?

Trans Fats are bad for you because they raise your cholesterol levels (the bad kind of cholesterol) and increase your chances of having a heart attack or other heart problem. Heart disease is the leading case of death in the United States, partly due to the fact that a lot of our foods are high in trans fats.

What is considered an acceptable body fat percentage?

Your ideal body fat percentage depends on your age and sex. So if you are a man under 30 you want to stay in the 9-15% range, if a 30-50 year old your range is 11-17%, and over 50 your body fat percentage should fall within 12-19%. For females under 30, your body fat percentage should be between 14-21%, for a 30-50 year old you should be between 15-23%, and if you are a woman over 50 years old your ideal body fat ratio should be between 16-25% .

How often should I go to the dentist?

Nobody likes to go to the dentist, but regular checkups are necessary if you want a healthy set of teeth. Also, the more often you go in for cleanings the less likely you will have to go through uncomfortable appointments where the drill and that scary pitchfork-like tool have to get involved.

Dentists suggest that you come in for a checkup and cleaning at least twice a year. If you have a history of serious problems with your teeth, like gum disease and gingivitis, they suggest that you come in every three months for a checkup and cleaning.

How does Bulimia Nervosa affect the body?

Bulimia is a serious disease that slowly deteriorates the body over time. People with this illness consume large amounts of food and then immediately throw it back up. The effects of bulimia include dehydration from purging, kidney failure, and irregular heartbeat. Bulimia effects your body in many other ways, such as by causing abdominal pain, chronic sore throat, weakness, and loss of menstruation in women. In fact, you can actually gain weight from Bulimic behavior.

Sources:

Melissa McNamara, "The 101 On Trans Fats" CBS News

CDC http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/FASTATS/lcod.htm

http://www.healthchecksystems.com/bodyfat.htm

http://www.colgate.com/app/Colgate/US/OC/Information/OralHealthBasics/CheckupsDentProc/TheDentalVisit/HowOftenShouldYouGo.cvsp

http://www.womenshealth.gov/faq/bulimia-nervosa.cfm