Psychology, Lifestyle and Health. Dr Dominic Upton

Leading causes of death. Heart disease Cancer Stroke Accidents All have a lifestyle component: therefore psychology has a role.

Lifestyle choices play a major role in health. –Smoking –Drinking Alcohol –Recreational and addictive drugs –Overeating –Poor nutrition –Lack of exercise –Risky sexual behavior

Nicotine Lung cancer. Many forms of cancer. Heart disease.

–Although on the decline since the ‘60’s, today 28% adult men still smoke 23% adult women still smoke –Health effects Earlier deaths due to –Cancer –Heart disease »Arteriosclerosis »Hypertension »Stroke –GIVE IT UP! It can be done! –Health effects return to normal after 15 years The less smoked, the better the success rate –25% successful Smoking

Diet. Poor diet has been implicated in: –Colon, stomach, pancreatic, prostate, and breast cancer. –Hypertension (high blood pressure). –Diabetes (body weight, sugar, fats).

–Obesity, 20% over ideal body weight 24%, men; 27%, women Health effects –Heart Disease, Diabetes, Orthopedic Problems, Respiratory complaints, cancer, and so on. –Interventions Restrictive eating –Diet vs. healthy eating EXERCISE –Crucial for weight control »Other health benefits Overeating

Dietary elements of concern Fat content Cholesterol LDL vs HDL Relationship to cancer Colon, breast, rectal Salt & Caffeine - Hypertension Calcium Osteoporosis Developmental significance for youth Obesity, Health effects Heart Disease, Diabetes, Orthopedic Problems, Respiratory complaints, cancer, and so on. Poor Nutrition is NOT just overeating…

Exercise –Lowers blood pressure –Protects heart against rhythm disturbances –LDL-cholesterol and raises HDL-cholesterol (the good cholesterol)

Alcohol abuse Accidents. Cirrhosis of the liver. Some forms of cancer. Fetal alcohol syndrome in new-born. Cognitive impairment.

–THE most common of the “drugs” Over 68% of average adults drink Over 85% of undergrads drink Short-term, negative effects –Physical effects…”the hangover” –Poor decision-making and accidents Increased vulnerability –For other risky behaviors, e.g., SEXUAL ACTIVITY –For manipulation & exploitation Some people, prone to aggression –DRUNK DRIVING –DANGEROUS –DEADLY –ILLEGAL Drinking Alcohol

Coronary heart disease (CHD): Athersclerosis (furring of the arteries). Angina Pectoris (chest pains). Myocardial infaction (heart attacks). The relationship between HEART DISEASE and STRESS. and STRESS.

Cancer Rheumatoid Arthritis Respiratory infections Immunosuppression Disorders Other stress-linked disorders:

Conclusion- part 1... The major killers today are cancer, heart disease and strokes. These major killers all have a lifestyle component. Health psychology has a major role to play in all these lifestyle areas.