Do You Follow the 7 Good Health Practices?

Are you following the 7 good health practices? According to a 15 year study of more than 6,900 people, researchers found that following 7 basic health habits were a good predictor of how long people lived.

People with 6 to 7 of the good health practices, lived 7 to 12 years longer than people with less than 4.

The 7 Good Health Practices are as follows:

1 - Smoking

Non-smokers, on average, live 10 to 12 years longer than those who continue to smoke. Encourage family and friends not to smoke!

2 - Activity

Everyone needs regular physical activity for optimum health; at least 30 minutes of moderate to vigorous aerobic activity, 3 or more times per week, daily when possible.

3 - Alcohol

Drinking can lead to serious health problems: liver disease, cancer, high blood pressure, accidents, and alcohol dependency. If you choose to drink, do so in moderation. You should never drink and drive.

4 - Sleep

Research shows that people who get 7-8 hours of sleep daily have lower death rates than those who sleep less. Adequate rest improves physical and emotional health.

5 - Weight

Maintaining a healthy weight helps you look and feel your best. Maintain your weight with low fat eating and regular physical activity.

6 - Breakfast

People who eat breakfast daily live longer than those who don’t. Healthy breakfast choices include: fruit and fruit juices, whole-grain breads, cereals, & low fat milk.

7 - Snacking / Fast Food

Frequent eating of “junk foods:” chips, pastry, colas, and other high fat/high calorie foods, provides excess fat, calories, salt, and sugar, but little nutrition. If you snack, consider eating fresh fruits and veggies.

So how many good health practices do you follow? If it's less than 6, it's recommended that you modify your habit(s) to get to the 6-7 range.