Around this time of the year everyone starts thinking about getting a fresh start. The New Year comes around and we think this year, “I am going to be better! I am going to eat better, lose weight, stop smoking, start exercising, stop drinking as much, keep in touch with my friends, etc.” If you are thinking about that fresh start and being a little healthier, let’s take a look at things that make us live long and prosper!
No Tobacco use – I know you’re heard it all before, but quitting the use of tobacco products is the best change you can make to your lifestyle. Not only will it help save you from lung cancer and heart disease but it will also help save your finances and dreaded wrinkles. If you quit smoking you can add 5 to 10 years to your life. If you’re interested in quitting, you’re in luck, help is just around the corner.
Exercise – Regular exercise helps prevent cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure to name a few. Ok, so you’ve heard this too. But did you know according to one study you may be able to extend your life 2 seconds for every second that you exercise. That means that for every hour you exercise you extend your life by 2. So 1 year of exercise at 60 minutes a day can extend your 5 years. According to this study, I am going to live forever!!!
Eating Right – If you eat a well balanced diet you can also help prevent cardiovascular disease, certain cancers, diabetes, high blood pressure and others. Limiting the amount of calories you eat is also essential to maintaining a healthy weight and achieving your fitness goals. Did you also know that eating a well-balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains and a limited amount of saturated and trans-fats that you can boost your life span by 2 years!
Maintain your blood pressure – High b/p is something that you can’t see or feel. Have it checked regularly to make sure you’re below 120/80. Believe it or not this can lengthen your life by 3 years.
Maintain your cholesterol levels – You’ve probably heard it in my last posts about good and bad cholesterol. The good stuff (HDL) helps protect your heart when it’s higher than 55, and adds a year or so to your life. And if the bad stuff (LDL) is less than 160 you can add another year on.
Well fellows, these years are really adding up!! I’m sure at this point I haven’t telling you anything new, but the next few might surprise you.
Don’t be a loner – Believe it or not social interactions add years to your life. Research has shown that people that have spouses and significant friendships are healthier. People with strong social ties get sick less often and have a healthier immune system. Even people that have the pets may live longer. If you socially interact with others at least 3 times a month you may add 2 years to your life..
And last but not least…..
Set some goals – Research shows that people that have a goal in life and strong feelings of something yet to accomplish will live longer. So use those goal sheets you’ve all written in your mind and live longer.
How long do you want to live? You have the tools to change and help that is free. It’s all about wanting to do to it. Make that change and you will be happier for it. Your family and friends will probably thank you for it too.
Good luck, best wishes and Enjoy Life!
