KUWAIT CITY, Sept 29: Medical professionals from various fields are raising awareness about everyday health habits that are often overlooked — and potentially dangerous. From neglecting sleep and skipping resistance training to falling for unproven supplements, these experts emphasize the importance of foundational, science-backed wellness practices. Below are the most common — and concerning — health mistakes, according to doctors, nurses, therapists, and specialists.

1. Skipping sleep or maintaining poor sleep habits

An infectious disease specialist emphasized the critical role of consistent, quality sleep. Chronic sleep deprivation negatively impacts cognition, immune function, mood stability, and fat metabolism. A disciplined bedtime routine — including shutting off screens and lights by 10 p.m. — is recommended for at least 28 nights a month.

2. Neglecting weight training and resistance exercises

Therapists stress the importance of life-long resistance training. Building and maintaining muscle mass supports functional mobility and independence, especially with aging. It is considered essential for fall prevention, injury reduction, and overall safety in daily life.

3. Using unproven or dangerous “alternative” therapies

An oncologist warns against relying on treatments like Ivermectin or unregulated detox supplements for serious illnesses such as cancer. These alternatives not only lack scientific backing but can also cause organ damage and interfere with proven medical therapies — often with irreversible consequences.

4. Wearing hair claw clips while driving

Trauma specialists have observed injuries resulting from hair clips during car accidents — even minor ones. In collisions, rigid clips can become embedded in the scalp. Flat clips or soft hair ties are strongly advised when driving.

5. Allowing children to crawl on hospital floors

Hospital environments, though appearing clean, are not sterile. A registered nurse warned against placing babies or toddlers on hospital floors where pathogens commonly reside. Children are particularly vulnerable to picking up harmful bacteria and viruses via mouth, eyes, and nose contact.

6. Ignoring sleep disorders like insomnia or sleep apnea

A behavioral sleep medicine expert emphasized the long-term dangers of untreated sleep disorders. Consistent poor sleep increases risks for stroke, heart disease, diabetes, obesity, dementia, and mental health conditions. CPAP therapy and cognitive behavioral treatment can significantly improve outcomes — often without medication.

7. Neglecting oral health

Poor dental hygiene is more than a cosmetic issue. Experts link gum disease and tooth decay to systemic conditions, including cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, Alzheimer’s, and obesity. Regular brushing, flossing, and rinsing after sugary foods are crucial preventive measures.

8. Failing to stay hydrated

A surprisingly common issue, insufficient water intake can lead to fatigue, kidney strain, poor digestion, and reduced cognitive function. Adequate hydration supports nearly every biological system in the body.

9. Overusing turmeric supplements and OTC painkillers

Kidney specialists caution against the overuse of turmeric supplements, especially in pill form. Poorly regulated supplements may contain harmful concentrations or additives that damage kidney tissues. Likewise, excessive use of NSAIDs like Advil can impair kidney function, increasing the risk of long-term damage and even dialysis dependency.

10. Not wearing sunglasses for UV protection

UV rays can harm the eyes and skin even on cloudy days. Ophthalmologists urge consistent use of sunglasses to prevent sun-related damage, including crow’s-feet, cataracts, and long-term retinal issues. Sunglasses should be worn properly — not just perched on the head.

11. Incorrect use of prescription medications

Medical professionals universally agree: Medications must be taken exactly as prescribed. Skipping doses, stopping early, or adjusting dosages without consulting a physician can lead to serious complications and reduce effectiveness.

12. Following extreme or restrictive diets

Nutrition experts warn against protein-only diets or cutting out entire food groups. A balanced diet should include complex carbohydrates, healthy fats, and sufficient fiber to support digestion, hormone production, brain health, and energy regulation.

13. Ignoring the long-term effects of stress

Chronic stress isn’t just emotional — it's biological. Experts explain how stress triggers oxidative cellular damage, disrupts methylation, and impairs the glymphatic system, which is crucial for brain detoxification. These effects can be more harmful than alcohol, with wide-ranging impacts on mental and physical health.

What may seem like minor or harmless daily habits can carry serious long-term health consequences. Consistent attention to sleep, diet, exercise, oral hygiene, stress management, and informed medical choices can significantly improve overall well-being and prevent chronic disease. These insights from healthcare professionals highlight that prevention and awareness remain the most effective tools in modern healthcare.