Despite the war, which creates a powerful stressful pressure on all Ukrainians every day, it is bad habits that are the main "killers" of health and longevity. This was stated by Dmitry Krasnenkov, head of the Epigenetics Laboratory of the D.F. Chebotaryov Institute of Gerontology of the National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine, in an interview with RBC-Ukraine.
According to him, the lives of Ukrainians are shortened most by not shelling, but by heart attacks, strokes, and chronic cardiovascular diseases, from which our country consistently ranks among the first in the world in terms of mortality.
"The undisputed enemy No. 1 is smoking. Quitting smoking is the best thing you can do for longevity," the scientist emphasized.
In addition to smoking, Krasnenkov named four other main factors that steal years of life from a person:
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Improper nutrition - an excess of fatty, sweet, and processed foods combined with a deficiency of vegetables and fruits leads to obesity and overload of the cardiovascular system.
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A sedentary lifestyle — prolonged sitting and lack of physical activity contribute to the development of chronic diseases.
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Chronic sleep deprivation — a lack of quality sleep prevents the body from recovering, reduces immunity, and harms the brain and heart.
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Stress and loneliness - constant psychological stress and lack of social connections seriously undermine health and provoke life-threatening conditions.
The scientist emphasizes: support from loved ones, communication with friends, and inclusion in the community are not a luxury, but a necessary condition for survival and mental stability.
In the context of Ukraine's population shrinking to 36.3 million and life expectancy declining as a result of the war, these simple things take on even greater importance. Taking care of yourself is already a contribution to the country's future.
