1. GET A LIFE.
People who feel a sense of purpose in life and a responsibility
beyond taking care of themselves - like
organizing adopt-a-thons at the animal shelter or throwing
not-to-be-missed soirees for friends - tend to deal with stress
better than those who don’t, Dr. Roizen says. These activities give
you a strong sense of self and a support system to ground you when
stress strikes.
2. FLOSS.
Everyday. Not flossing can increase chances of periodontal disease,
which could increase your risk of giving birth to a premature or
low-birthweight baby. Inflammation from periodontal disease can
also set you up for heart disease.
3. LEARN TO COOK.
This makes you more likely to eat at
home, which is better for your heart and your weight than
living on takeout. But one warning: Most people use too much oil
when they sauté and end up deep-frying food accidentally, Dr.
Roizen says. For two boneless, skinless chicken breasts, you need
no more than one-and-a-half tablespoons of oil.
4. STOP SMOKING.
Other than major life stressors (like a death in the family),
nothing ages the body like cigarettes. Quitting is the best thing
you can do for yourself - and your health, and your looks …
5. WALK EVERYWHERE.
A daily, brisk, 30-minute walk is the
closest thing we may get to a wonder drug, says Dr. Roizen.
“It’s one of the best ways to keep your arteries young and your
immune system strong - two keys to living well beyond age 90.”
If you commit to these steps, “by the time you’re 75,
physiologically you’ll be about 55,” says Michael Roizen, M.D.,
coauthor of You: The Owner’s Manual.
RELATED
- Healthy Foods That Make You Fat
- 3 Fats That Make You Skinny
- Get the latest news and updates from FASHION WEEK
- 17 Easy Exercise Moves
- Looking for More Love, Fitness & Career Advice? Subscribe to Marie Claire & Save!
