Here's how to live longer, according to science
Unfortunately, there is no magic pill that can extend your life. But practicing healthy habits can add years to your lifespan.
So, where do you start? Here's what experts say:
Protect your heart health
Heart disease is the No. 1 cause of death in the United States and has been for the past century.
Keeping your heart healthy is central to your overall good health. Your heart is responsible for pushing nutrient-rich blood to every part of your body, supplying oxygen while removing toxins and waste.
According to Dr. Eduardo Sanchez, M.D., who is chief medical officer for prevention at the American Heart Association, focusing on "Life's Essential 8" — eight key measures for heart health as defined by the AHA — is the best way to live a healthier, longer life. The guidelines were recently updated to include sleep as a vital component.
Dr. Sanchez recommends everyone:
• Create a healthy eating pattern. |
• Be physically active by doing at least 150 minutes of moderate activity (such as walking) each week. |
• Maintain a healthy weight with BMI 18-24. |
• Keep cholesterol, blood sugar and blood pressure in the normal range (these are natural effects of being active and eating well). |
• Quit smoking. |
• Get enough sleep at night (7-9 hours for adults). |
Factors that put you at higher risk for heart disease include:
• Obesity/being overweight. |
• Inactivity (no exercise). |
• High blood pressure. |
• High cholesterol levels. |
• Smoking. |
• Diabetes. |
• Family history of heart disease (especially a parent or sibling). |
Don't believe the myths
Heart attacks and heart disease can happen to anyone. Thinking "I'm too young to worry about heart disease" — a common myth — could be dangerous to your health. How you live now affects your risk for cardiovascular disease later in life.
[ Related: What science says about the eating habits that lead to heart disease ]
The good news is that embracing a healthy lifestyle at any age can prevent heart disease and lower your risk for a heart attack or stroke, Dr. Sanchez says. You are never too old or too young to begin taking care of your heart — even if you already have heart disease.
"The truth is, if you can address the 'Essential 8' factors, in addition to whatever specific heart disease you have, you can live a longer, healthier life than you would if you aren't able to do something about those eight factors," Dr. Sanchez said.
How to get involved
The American Heart Association's annual "Life is Why" campaign, which supports the organization's research and programs, encourages people to consider what or whom they are living for and use that as motivation to make lifestyle changes and improve their heart health.
As a national supporter of the "Life is Why" campaign, AT&T provides information and resources to their customers and employees about the signs, symptoms and risk factors of heart disease and stroke. The company has raised more than $8 million for the AHA's life-saving mission.
AT&T is inviting customers to donate $1, $3, $5, $10 or more to support the AHA. Customers can donate online or at AT&T stores, with 100% of gifts going directly to the AHA, now through Sep. 15.
"Enjoying more of life's precious moments starts with our health," said Karthik Viswanathan, Vice President of Digital Product Management and Customer Experiences at AT&T.
"And with cardiovascular disease being the leading cause of death worldwide, heart health is a subject very near and dear to us," Viswanathan said. "When our employees are at their best — healthy, balanced and productive — the entire organization benefits. And when our community and our customers are healthy and vibrant, we all thrive as one."
The American Heart Association is devoted to saving people from heart disease and stroke — the two leading causes of death in the world. As the nation's oldest and largest voluntary organization dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke, the AHA teams with millions of volunteers to fund innovative research, fight for stronger public health policies, and provide lifesaving tools and information to prevent and treat these diseases. To learn more or to get involved, visit heart.org or call 1-800-AHA-USA1.
By Jackie Nash
The information included within this article is AT&T-sponsored content written by a Currently Media editorial contributor. The statements in this article don’t reflect the positions, strategies or opinions of AT&T.
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