Health habits

Tobacco use: Tobacco smoking is the single most important risk factor for disease and dying prematurely in Sweden. When you smoke and snuff, you take in substances that are bad for the body. These substances make you less fit and increase the risk of various diseases. It also affects the brain and you become addicted.

Risky use of alcohol: Risk drinking means drinking 10 or more standard glasses per week.  Heavy drinking also counts as hazardous use. It is defined as 4 standard glasses or more on the same occasion, once a month or more often.

Insufficient physical activity: Insufficient physical activity is defined as less than 150 minutes of physical activity per week at a moderate intensity level, alternatively less than 75 minutes of physical activity per week at a high intensity level. 

Unhealthy eating habits: Unhealthy eating habits can lead to various sequelae. Eating habits are of great importance for future health. The food needs to be varied so that the body's needs for different nutrients are met. According to "Global burden of diseases, 2017", unhealthy eating habits contribute the second most after tobacco use to the total burden of disease in Sweden.

What can you do yourself?

Tobacco use: You have to take the first step yourself by deciding to stop smoking or snuff. There is help to get in shape through counseling sessions and also drug treatment. Ask about a qualified consultation with your caregiver.

Risky use of alcohol: Reduced alcohol consumption reduces the risk of harmful physical, psychological and social consequences. You can change your drinking habits, even if it takes time. The important thing is that you yourself want a change. The higher your alcohol consumption, the higher the risk of negative consequences. You may have heard and read that a little alcohol can be good for your health, but alcohol has far too many side effects to be recommended as medicine. Set a goal, start the change, get a handle on yourself, find new options and don't give up too soon. Ask about a qualified consultation with your caregiver.

Insufficient physical activity: It is possible to prevent, improve and treat many diseases through regular physical activity. You who need support to get started can get physical activity on prescription. When you move more and regularly, changes occur in your body and brain. This means that you have more stamina and feel better physically and mentally. It is also common that you sleep better, feel happier and manage stress more easily. It's never too late to start moving. Start with small changes, replace the car with the bicycle or walking, take the stairs instead of the escalator or elevator, etc.

Unhealthy eating habits: 

Briefly summarized, the recommendations are to eat 500 g of fruit and vegetables daily, eat 1-2 tablespoons of nuts and seeds/day and to eat fish and shellfish at least 2-3 times/week. It is also recommended to choose whole grain products, choose keyhole labeled dietary fats and low-fat unsweetened dairy products. Furthermore, you should eat less red meat and cured meats and reduce salt and sugar in your food. Eat regularly and in moderation to maintain energy balance. Start by making small changes towards better eating habits! 

Source: 1177 and viss.nu

Remote patient monitoring of health habits

If you are monitored on Health habits, you will receive a form sent to you in a mobile app, which asks questions about tobacco habits, alcohol habits, physical activity and eating habits. When you answer the form, the result is recorded in the app and automatically transferred to your caregiver. In the app, you can see previously answered health habits questionnaires. If the results of the questionnaire show that you have unhealthy health habits, your caregiver will be notified of this and can contact you for possible measures.