Running May Not Be So Good for You, And Other Questionable Healthy Habits

Bad news for running fanatics: The sport hailed for losing weight, reducing stress, and lowering blood pressure may also end your life early. High-mileage runners (those who run more than two and a half hours per week) as well as  non-runners die earlier than moderate runners, (those who run about two and a half hours per week), according to a study of almost 4,000 men and women presented Sunday at the American College of Cardiology's annual meeting in Washington, D.C.

"Moderate runners can reduce their mortality rates by anywhere from 25 to 40 percent and could add as many as six years to their life," study co-author James O'Keefe, director of preventive cardiology at the Mid-America Heart Institute in Kansas City, Missouri tells Yahoo Shine. One theory is that too much running puts stress on the body, which can kick off a domino effect of damage. And that chronic, extreme exercise may “remodel” the heart, which could cancel out some benefits of running. "We absolutely don't want to discourage people from exercising," says O'Keefe. "The key is to balance cardio with other forms of exercise, such as yoga and strength-training."

While the research is considered preliminary until published in a peer-reviewed journal, it’s still disheartening for people who start their mornings with a long run, and assume it's good for them.

Here are three other thought-to-be healthy habits you may want to rethink.  

You use antibacterial soap: If you're diligent about buying only soap that has an antibacterial label, you needn't be. Antibacterial soaps may not be that effective at killing germs, according to a recent Food and Drug Administration (FDA) review. “Millions of Americans use antibacterial hand soap and body wash products. Although consumers generally view these products as effective tools to help prevent the spread of germs, there is currently no evidence that they are any more effective at preventing illness than washing with plain soap and water,” according to a recent FDA press release. What’s more, an antibacterial chemical called triclocarban, often found in bar soaps, is controversial, according to a recent study at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. The study, which was conducted on rats, found that the chemical could harm the development of nursing babies with mothers exposed to triclocarban. The bottom line: Any soap will probably work just fine.

You misuse your mental health day: There’s nothing inherently wrong with needing time off. In fact, taking the occasional day to recharge can improve mood, energy, and even productivity when you return to work. The problem is many of us don’t use our days off wisely. One survey conducted by ComPsych, a provider of employee-assistance programs, found that 30 percent of workers use mental health days to deal with family issues — not exactly relaxing and, actually, counterproductive. The key to maximizing your day off: Unplug from technology and escape with a book; spend time outside; or hit the gym for stress relief. Exercise releases feel-good chemicals called endorphins, which are natural mood-boosters. (Just don't run too much.)

You rely too much on sunscreen: If you're using sunblock every day, congrats. Daily coverage can ward off signs of aging and protect the skin from cancer-causing ultraviolet rays. But choosing a brand with the highest sun protection factor (SPF) may be pointless. Any sunscreen above "30" offers the same protection, according to a New York Times article. But solely relying on the stuff to block the sun's harmful rays provides a false sense of security. To fully protect yourself, wear sunglasses and a hat, reapply sunscreen generously every few hours, and take breaks from being in the sun.

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