To a Healthier Future
Whether a playground or a popular tourist spot in nature, humans experience and display various levels of comfort in physical activities. Lifestyle choices influence people’s ability to enjoy a walk up an incline, like a hill in a local park or the stairs in the Great Wall of China. While some can continue more easily and faster, others struggle to catch their breath and make it to one more step. Size or age might affect people’s enjoyment or struggles during a hike, but overall health plays the most significant role. When it comes to strenuous outdoor activities, genetics do not have a greater influence, but people’s daily habits do.
According to National Geographic, about 40 percent of premature deaths in the U.S. can be attributed to lifestyle choices. Premature deaths refer to deaths before age 75. These lifestyle choices consist of behaviors people can change. Because lifestyle choices affect how genes function, they also affect how the human body functions.
Scientists studying human gene expression have discovered that lifestyle changes can influence whether a person’s genes are “on” or “off.” A specific protein can be produced only when its gene is turned on. Lifestyle choices influence 1,200 of 1,500 genes that are on and about 21,000 genes that are off.
In one experiment, a group of men who adjusted their physical activity, managed stress, and changed their diet turned off genes linked to prostate cancer. They turned on a gene that could produce a protein that causes cancer cells to self-destruct. Similarly, lifestyle changes could influence colon and breast cancer and the process of switching on cancer-fighting genes while switching off cancer-promoting genes. Data show that healthy lifestyles are linked to a 60 percent reduction in the risk of developing dementia.
According to scientists, by the age of 60, 75 percent of people’s health outcomes, which are determined by their choices, is already established. In other words, people’s behaviors and habits have altered their bodies through genetic engineering. Every healthy act promotes good health. Good choices promote good proteins, while bad habits cause bad proteins to be switched on and destroy health.
Since people can change how the human body works and reacts, they can also determine their health and longevity. It is essential to build a strong foundation of health at a young age. Healthy choices help prevent chronic diseases, which contributes to a longer lifespan. The better a person’s physical shape is maintained, the greater the chances for a healthier life. Healthcare professionals list nutrition, physical activity, adequate sleep, not smoking, and stress management as important factors in improving and maintaining health.
We live in a time of medical advancement. Maintaining good health can be managed with a good plan in this era of information abundance and ease of access through technology. Various apps can help set, track, and maintain healthy habits. Add a coach to the mix, and a health plan becomes more effective. Small rewards for working towards better health can make the journey more pleasant. Encourage friends and family to join the efforts in starting and maintaining healthy habits. Hard work is fun when a support system is available. Life is certainly more enjoyable with better health, and everyone is in charge of their habits to make it possible.
Question
Which statement BEST expresses two central ideas developed over the course of the article?
Responses
A People can change how their body reacts. Life is more enjoyable with better health and activities that require being outdoors.People can change how their body reacts. Life is more enjoyable with better health and activities that require being outdoors.
B Lifestyle choices influence the health of people. People can determine their health and longevity through the decisions they make.Lifestyle choices influence the health of people. People can determine their health and longevity through the decisions they make.
C By age 60, people have done everything they can about how their health will be. There is little left to change outcomes by then.By age 60, people have done everything they can about how their health will be. There is little left to change outcomes by then.
D We live in an era of medical advancement. Therefore, we need to make good choices about our health and well-being.