The 2 habits that we all have and few know are harmful to our health

Bad habits are behaviors or customs that can harm your health. Some common examples include poor diet, lack of physical activity, and substance use such as alcohol or tobacco. These habits can increase the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and more. But there are two that everyone has, but few realize are harmful to their health.

1. Prolonged sitting (passive sedentary behavior) It may seem harmless, especially if you exercise later in the day, but sitting for more than 6 hours a day, even with regular physical activity, is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and premature death. A study in the Annals of Internal Medicine (2015) concluded that prolonged sedentary behavior increases the risk of mortality by 24%, regardless of daily exercise. It’s not just a “lack of movement,” but rather prolonged disruptions to circulation, metabolism, and muscle function.

(READ: These are the 7 towns near Bogotá where you could live peacefully with your family)

- Tip: Get up every 30-60 minutes, even if it's just to walk around or stretch. 2. Sleeping poorly... not because of a lack of sleep, but because of poor sleep quality. Many people believe they get " enough " sleep because they're in bed 7 or 8 hours, but sleep quality (night wakings, undiagnosed sleep apnea, using screens before bed) is an overlooked and harmful factor for health. Studies by the Sleep Foundation and the NIH have shown that fragmented or low-quality sleep affects the immune system, metabolism, mood, and even accelerates brain aging. Even people who sleep a lot but poorly are at greater risk of cognitive decline, depression, and metabolic diseases.

- Tip: Avoid screens at least an hour before bedtime, maintain regular bedtimes, and ensure a dark, noise-free environment.

Pay attention to these signs: the 3 keys that indicate possible Alzheimer's

Alzheimer's disease is a permanent, degenerative neurological condition that impairs memory, cognitive abilities, and, over time, the ability to carry out small daily activities. However, there are symptoms that are not recognized as quickly and should be addressed equally. The Alzheimer's Association has determined that there are other symptoms that require observation to access an early diagnosis with multiple benefits.

(READ: The U.S. Embassy's unusual requirement for Colombians to apply for this visa)

1. Difficulty planning or problem-solving : Problems following plans, handling numbers, following familiar recipes, or concentrating on routine tasks that were previously easy to perform.

2. Problems completing common tasks : Problems performing everyday activities such as driving to familiar places, using household appliances, or remembering rules of favorite games.

3. Lack of understanding of visual images and spatial relationships : Problems reading, judging distances, identifying colors or contrasts, which can affect balance and driving.