Diet and Body Mass Index (BMI): Diet is the most significant factor in lifestyle and has a direct and positive correlation with health. Poor diet and its consequences, such as obesity, are common health issues in urban societies. Unhealthy lifestyles can be measured by BMI. Urban lifestyles lead to nutritional problems, such as consuming fast food and unhealthy food, which increase cardiovascular problems.
2. Exercise: To treat common health problems, exercise is incorporated into the lifestyle (6). Consistent exercise combined with a healthy diet can enhance health. Some studies emphasize the relationship between an active lifestyle and happiness (7, 8).
3. Sleep: One of the foundations of a healthy lifestyle is sleep. Sleep cannot be separated from life. Sleep disorders have several social, psychological, economic and health consequences. Lifestyle can affect sleep, and sleep has a significant impact on physical and mental health.
4. Sexual behavior: Normal sexual relationships are essential for a healthy lifestyle. Dysfunction in sexual relationships between the sexes is a widespread issue in today's society, having a significant impact on people's physical and mental health. It can be said that abnormal sexual relationships may lead to various family problems or sexual-related diseases; AIDS
5. Substance Abuse: Addiction is regarded as an unhealthy lifestyle. Smoking and the use of other substances can lead to various problems; cardiovascular diseases, asthma, cancer, brain damage. According to a recent study in Iran, 43% of women and 64% of men have experienced addiction. A longitudinal study shows that among people aged 18-65, 30% have been heavy smokers for a long time.
6. Drug abuse: In Iran, this is a common form of drug use and is regarded as an unhealthy lifestyle. The following are the undesirable behaviors during the drug use process: self-medication, sharing drugs, using drugs without a prescription, excessive prescribing, large quantity of each drug prescribed, unnecessary medication, poor writing when prescribing drugs, disregarding conflicting drugs, ignoring the harmful effects of drugs, and not explaining the effects of the drugs.
7. Application of modern technology: Advanced technology has greatly improved human life. However, the overuse of technology may lead to unpleasant consequences. For instance, using computers and other devices until midnight may disrupt the sleep pattern and disturb sleep. Smartphone addiction is associated with depressive symptoms.
8. Leisure: Leisure activities serve as a sub-component of one's lifestyle. Neglecting leisure can lead to negative consequences. Unorganized plans and unhealthy leisure habits can harm one's health.
9. Learning: Learning is a form of mental exercise. Incorporating learning as a component of one's lifestyle may lead to greater physical and mental well-being. For instance, the prevalence of diseases such as Alzheimer's is lower among educated individuals. Research can slow down the progression of dementia.
Based on the current research in the field of health, nine key factors of a healthy lifestyle can be proposed. For each factor, a system plan at both the micro and macro levels can be established. This can provide a healthy lifestyle for both society and individuals.
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