How to Increase Longevity
The length of time a person lives has a lot to do with how that person takes care of himself. Often, people get so busy with work and tending to the needs of others that they neglect their own needs. One of our needs in the pursuit of longevity is the need to learn what's good for the body and the mind. Knowledge in any form helps one achieve goals, and a long life is a goal we should all work hard at achieving. Live and learn.
Instructions
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Eat right. Nourish the body with healthful foods. Vitamins, minerals and fiber are what a body needs to stay healthy. By eating more fruits and vegetables, you may lower your risk of having a stroke or a heart attack. You may also be protecting yourself from certain types of cancer by eating more fruits and vegetables. Also, consider limiting your intake of unhealthy fats, such as trans fats, saturated fats and cholesterol. A resource that can help you with healthy meal planning is listed in the Resources section.
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Get exercise. Exercise strengthens your muscles and keeps your heart strong. Adults, young and old, should aim for 2 ½ hours of some type of exercise during the course of a week (fast-paced walking or aerobic exercise) and a workout of the major muscle groups should be done two days a week or more. It is important to note that older adults should check with their doctors before starting an exercise program. Children should be physically active for 60 minutes every day and, of course, anyone with a health condition should get approval from her doctor before exercising.
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Treat yourself kindly. You are your own best friend, so treat yourself as such. Get the amount of sleep needed to keep your body and mind functioning properly. Allow your body's cells to regenerate by getting enough sleep. Don't tax your body by overworking yourself, and go for a massage or reflexology session to reduce stress and keep yourself in a healthy state. Don't allow negative thoughts to consume your mind. When you find yourself thinking negatively, reverse your thoughts so they are positive ones. Make time for family and friends.
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Act wisely. Prolong your life by living cautiously. If you happen to be socializing and drinking, don't get behind the wheel of a car and drive. Someone dies approximately every half hour in an accident that involves intoxication while driving. Ask someone sober to do the driving. Wash your hands often throughout the day, especially before touching food or an open wound and after touching contaminated items. Wash hands for 20 seconds before rinsing the soap off them. Carry a hand sanitizer with you and use it when soap and water aren't available. Be careful not to eat contaminated food and, last, find things to laugh about and indulge in laughter. Laughter keeps the body strong and healthy.
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Ask your doctor for advice. Go to your doctor for regular checkups, and make extra visits to your doctor if you're not feeling yourself for any length of time. While you're in your doctor's office, talk to your physician about your family's health and how you can safeguard yourself from health problems you may develop in the future due to genetics.
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