Lifestyle-related factors affecting health Our lifestyle (the way in which we conduct our everyday lives) can significantly affect our overall fitness and health Many of us now live less active lives There is an increase in people being overweight There are more instances of diabetes and coronary heart disease, which is affected by the food we eat

StressAlcoholDrugsSleepJob

Stress Hectic, competitive, modern lives, little room for relaxation Many find participating in sport or active hobbies a great release

Sleep Lack of sleep can affect how you feel and your sports performance Between 5-11 hrs, average 7.75 hrs

Job Sedentary desk jobs can affect health and physical fitness

Smoking Few people who are serious about an active, healthy lifestyle smoke Overwhelming evidence about health risks Cigarettes contain tar, nicotine, carbon monoxide and other irritants Haemoglobin prefers to take up carbon monoxide rather than O2, so less O2 circulates in the blood stream Up to 10% of our O2 carrying capacity can be lost More than 120,000 die each year in UK from cancer, lung disease ( bronchitis and emphysema) and coronary heart disease.

Smoking Approx. 29% of men and 25% of women in UK smoke Percentage is higher for those on low incomes and from poor backgrounds 50% of regular cigarette smokers will probably be killed by their habit

Drugs Use of chemicals that alter the way we feel and see things Recreational (e.g. cannabis) and performance enhancing (e.g. steroids) drug taking is widespread and can seriously affect your health and well-being Once addicted, difficult to stop Physical withdrawal symptoms, anxiety, depression and low self esteem

Drugs and sport Certain substances and practices in sport are prohibited for various reasons: Performance enhancing effects – contravene the ethics of sport and undermine principles of fair competition Health and safety of athlete – serious side effects, masking pain or injury can lead to more permanent damage, harm to other participants Illegal

Drug testing Regulations aim to achieve drug free sport through clearly stated policies, testing and sanctions. It is the athletes responsibility to know their sport’s anti-doping regulations If uncertain check with doctor, governing body or UK Sport Especially when abroad, as products can vary and contain different substances

Most commonly used to enhance performance in sport StimulantsAnalgesics Anabolic steroids Diuretics Human growth hormone Beta blockers Blood doping (Ergthropoietin (EPO), synthetic O2 carriers and blood transfusions)