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I'm a doctor... here are the toxic health habits everyone must avoid
The information was shared in a new video posted to TikTok this week by New York City-based cardiologist, Dr. Evan Levine.
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Cardiologist Unveils Five Toxic Habits Endangering Youth Health
Cardiologist Warns Youth Against Five Toxic Health Habits New York, NY – Dr. Evan S. Levine, a board-certified cardiologist and patient advocate, has issued a stark warning to young people regarding five common habits that pose significant health risks. In a recent online address, Dr. Levine highlighted the long-term consequences of these behaviors, urging youth to make healthier choices for their future well-being. The first habit addressed was vaping, which Dr. Levine noted is not just a problem in the US but globally. He stated, "Vaping injures your lung, has cancer-causing chemicals, screws up the development of your brain, which isn't developed till the age of 25, and increases the risk for heart attacks and stroke." He recounted seeing teenagers sneaking vapes during a school outing in Rome, underscoring the widespread nature of the issue. Hookah smoking was identified as the second toxic habit, described by Dr. Levine as "worse than cigarette smoking" due to toxic levels of tar, carbon monoxide, and carcinogens. He explained that the water pipe does not effectively filter out these toxins, and the long duration of hookah sessions exposes users to even more harmful substances. The shared mouthpieces also pose a risk of infectious diseases and carbon monoxide poisoning. Third on the list was listening to loud music through earbuds or car speakers. Dr. Levine warned that this significantly increases the risk of noise-induced hearing loss, tinnitus (horrible ringing in the ear), and permanent damage to the hair cells in the inner ear. He advised against listening above 60% of maximum volume. Recreational drug use, including cocaine, fentanyl, and marijuana, was the fourth habit. Dr. Levine likened it to "playing Russian roulette with a loaded gun with your life," highlighting the immediate danger of overdose, especially with fentanyl. He added that marijuana use reduces brain development and cognitive ability, and is detrimental to lung and heart health. Finally, Dr. Levine spoke about alcohol consumption, particularly when driving is involved. "You're young, I get it, you think you're immortal... until you're not," he cautioned. He emphasized that alcohol is a very toxic drug, increasing the risk of cancer (especially breast cancer in women), heart disease, and being responsible for numerous accidents. Citing statistics from 2022, he noted that young drivers aged 15 to 20 constituted 19% of all alcohol-impaired drivers involved in fatal traffic accidents. Dr. Levine concluded by stressing the importance of avoiding these habits to prevent future health issues and regrets.
