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At first blush, it would seem like common sense. Practice a healthy lifestyle and you'll have a longer life. And the latest study from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has the empirical proof to back the popular claim.
The CDC researchers looked at adults 17 and older over the course of a few decades—from when they were recruited (1988 to 1994) through to 2006. In particular, the researchers looked at those who practiced "low-risk" lifestyles—not smoking, eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise and moderating alcoholic drinks.
The findings? Compared to adults who did not practice any healthy lifestyle habits, those who followed all four low-risk living options were:
"If you want to lead a longer life and feel better, you should adopt healthy behaviors," said CDC Director, Dr. Thomas R. Frieden.
Among people in the CDC study, 47.5 percent had never smoked, 51 percent were moderate drinkers, 39.3 percent had a healthy diet, and 40.2 percent were adequately physically active. The percentage of people who reported low-risk behaviors did not differ significantly by gender. Mexican-Americans had more healthy behaviors compared to whites and African-Americans.
Living a healthy lifestyle doesn't have to be difficult. Check out Consumer Reports Health advice on:
For more information about CDC's efforts to promote healthy lifestyles visit https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco, https://www.cdc.gov/alcohol, and https://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpao.
The study, "Low Risk Lifestyle Behaviors and All-Cause Mortality: Findings from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey III Mortality Study," is published online today by the American Journal of Public Health.
Source:
Low Risk Lifestyle Behaviors and All-Cause Mortality: Findings from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey III Mortality Study [American Journal of Public Health]
—Paul Eng
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