LIFESTYLE TIPS: Longevity is based on about three quarter's lifestyle and one quarter genes. If you can control the way you live, you can control the way you age. The first step is to pay attention to what goes into your mouth, and therefore, what goes into your body. Average Americans are not eating a sufficient amount of fruits and vegetables daily. Dr. Cooper explains that when it comes to servings of fruits and vegetables, "five is fine, but nine is divine." The average American adult is only eating 3.1 servings daily, and the average teenager only 1.6 servings. Eating whole grains is equally important. Doctors recommend eating a fiber-rich cereal for breakfast. This helps older people maintain a stable blood sugar level throughout the day, which can also decrease the risk for diabetes and increase longevity. Smoking, alcohol abuse or an over-indulgence in sweets should also be avoided. You should also include proper supplementation. To keep mentally healthy, try to maintain high blood levels of vitamins C and E, selenium, and beta-carotene, according to a U.S. News and World Report article.
Aside from what you eat, daily habits can play a huge role in increasing lifespan. U.S. News and World Report documents that exercise benefits your mood, mental acuity, balance, muscle mass and bones. It is recommended that everyone tries to collectively get at least 30 minutes of exercise daily. Tips to achieve this include parking your car farther from the office door, taking the stairs, walking to the store or even mowing the lawn. Dancing is a fun way to exercise, too! Another habit to work into your routine is flossing. Flossing keeps your arteries healthy because buildup in your gums develops bacteria. The bacteria can enter the bloodstream and trigger inflammation in the arteries, which increases the risk for heart disease.
Staying happy and stress-free plays a major role in longevity. This category includes the most common advice given by centenarians. The Mayo Clinic reported cheerful and optimistic people decreased the risk of poor health and early death by 50-percent compared to those with more negative outlooks. To manage stress, learn to say no to things you cannot fit into your day. Learn how to prioritize your time, and always plan time for yourself. Yoga and meditation can also help manage stress. Keep your mind active and your brain healthy with puzzles and games.
? For More Information, Contact:
Cooper Aerobics Center
Dallas, TX
(866) 906-COOP (2667)
http://www.cooperaerobics.com
