Living in Los Angeles County comes with a unique set of health disparities that can be difficult to navigate. To stay healthy, it's important to make lifestyle changes that address the underlying causes of these disparities. This includes reducing exposure to second-hand smoke and vaping, eating a balanced diet, and taking steps to improve environmental conditions. The use of products that deliver nicotine by inhalation, such as traditional cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and vaping, is the leading cause of preventable death in the United States.
Approximately one-third of American children aged 3 to 11 are exposed to second-hand smoke or vaping, so it's essential to reduce exposure to these substances. Eating a balanced diet is also essential for staying healthy. Most of the food we eat is converted to glucose (or blood sugar) that our bodies use for energy. Over time, high blood sugar levels can damage your heart, kidneys, eyes, and nerves.
To keep your blood sugar levels in check, try following the Mediterranean diet. It's high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, olive oil, and fish, and it's low in meat, sugar, and processed foods, all to help cells work better. Finally, it's important to take steps to improve environmental conditions. Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) are the conditions of the environments in which people are born, live, learn, work, play, worship, and age, which affect a wide range of risks and outcomes related to health, functioning, and quality of life.
Public health organizations and their partners in sectors such as education, transportation, and housing must take steps to improve people's environmental conditions. By making lifestyle changes that address the underlying causes of health disparities in Los Angeles County, you can stay healthy and reduce your risk of developing chronic diseases. Eating a nutritious diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, avoiding second-hand smoke and vaping exposure, and improving environmental conditions are all key steps for optimal health. Taking these measures can help you lead a healthier life in Los Angeles County.
