Page 226 - Health, Population and Environment Education 10

9.5 Unhygienic Health Habits, the Effects and Preventive Measures
A pattern of behaviours regarded as detrimental to one’s physical or mental health which is
often linked with lack of self control is known as bad/unhealthy habits. It adversely affects
the physical, mental, social, economical and psychological aspects of an individual. It is
similar to chronic disease. The habits of individual are largely responsible for determining
his/her quality of life. For example, the unhealthy habits like smoking cigarette, drinking
alcohol, taking drugs, eating fried food, junk food, excessive amount of fats, salt, etc.
affect our health. Such habits may lead to different types of diseases like heart disdease,
cancer, high blood pressure, high blood cholestrol, etc. So, such habits must be controlled
to live healthy life. Some of the bad habits are discussed below:

a. Unhygienic food habit
The habit of taking the food materials for taste rather than for health is said to be bad food
habit. For example, taking fast food, junk food, fried food, spicy food, etc. Such habits
adversely affect our health.

b. Habit of playing cards
Many people in our society are engaged in playing
cards instead of engaging in any creative activity
during leisure time. Such habits adversely affect
their life and property. We should avoid such habits
and live a happy family life.
Fig: 25
c. Habit of using mobile/internet
These days mobile has become an easy means of
communication. It has made our life easier. Many
people are habituated to use the internet facility
available in the mobile. We can get necessary
information through the social media. But excessive
use of these facilities results in physical and mental
problems.
Fig: 26
d. Sexual habit
Sex is the biological need of human being. It is required to continue the life of human
beings on the earth. But some people have the habits of making multi-sexual partners
and engage in unsafe sexual activities. Such habits may lead to different types of STDs
including HIV/AIDs.

Effects of Bad Habit
a. It causes loss of life and property.
b. It adversely affects the physical, mental and social health of individuals.
c. It causes various infections and sexually transmitted diseases.
d. It spoils the personality and future career.
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