Hints How to Live Longer

I recently ran across an article that outlined 50 great ways to help us live longer. This includes a wide range of health advice that is backed by a scientific or government study that reveals new insight into what helps or hinders human longevity. Genetics do account for about 25% of the longevity and the rest is up to us.

• Consider extra vitamin D intake, but not too much. Ask your doctor for intake. Get regular blood work levels.
• Cut back on regular use of painkillers as ibuprofen and naproxen that are
  included in Advil, Motrin and Aleve that may raise your heart risks.
• Hit that bed and get 6+ hours of sleep. Less doubles your risks of illness. A Duke University study shows that frequent sex is a significant predictor of longevity; so don’t go right to sleep!
• You won’t die from eating under-ripe produce, but try that ripened fruit also.
• Yes to that extra cup of coffee as it does more than help you wake up.
• Frozen is fine, so eat that balanced diet when fresh isn’t available.
• Green tea has proven longevity because of the powerful antioxidants.
• Don’t use that sugar as it boosts blood sugar and can play havoc with your heart.
• Get out those whole grains with 3+ servings a day and cut death rate by 20%.
• Spice it up with that hot chili pepper that can add years to your life.
• Drink whole milk as this might give you a 50% lower risk of diabetes.
• Add water to keep adequately hydrated and keep urine a light color
• Be food safe from poisoning. Keep the kitchen clean and wash your hands.
• If you want to reach 100, put the fork down and eat less!
• Don’t forget those veggies!
• Eat like the Greeks with fruits, veggies, olive oil, fish and nuts.
• Live like the Amish and adapt their healthy lifestyles and eating habits.
• Drink less of alcohol as it leads to a shorter life span.
• Saving your pennies might also help you live longer; up to 15 years.
• Consider moving to California, NY or Vermont. Low-Income people tend to
  live the longest in these states.
• Viewing an awesome experience as Grand Canyon or Beethoven’s 9 th helps.
• Go nuts with that daily handful of nuts, or at least 5 times a week.
• Find your purpose in life; it will help you live longer by doing something useful.
• Embrace your faith and attend those religious services every week.
• Take time off work for that vacation. Not taking it could be a deadly risk.
• Consider mountain life with higher altitudes.
• A friend with 4 legs does wonder for your mental and physical health.
• Those laughter cat videos help to reduce stress and boost the immune system.
• Keep yourself social as loneliness increases the risk of early death by 45%.
• Watching those grandkids can lower your risk by 1/3.
• Do everything you can to stay out of that hospital and avoid their mistakes.
• Monitor yourself and don’t wait for that annual checkup.
• Visit the hardware store for detectors for Carbon monoxide, radon and lead.
• Toss that rug and avoid the top risk for falls.
• Practice the home fire drills.
• Patients receiving care from a female doctor were more likely to survive.
• Make peace with family and get rid of that stress and small stuff.
• Take those stairs at every opportunity, in and out of the home.
• Avoid traffic accidents by avoiding those techy car distractions.
• Drive less after 70 as more accidents occur for those after that age.
• Walk, not drive when possible.
• Stay safe while walking or jogging.
• Walk a little faster for more benefits.
• Fidgeting is good. Sitting increases your risk of dying by 30%.
• Read the AARP Bulletin and keep up to day on health info!

Dr Fredda Branyon