If you had the foresight during middle age to exercise, eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, drink alcohol in moderation, and not smoke, you may have added up to 14 years to your life. Writing in an online journal (PLoS Medicine), British researchers showed that people who didn’t do any of these had the same chance of dying over a decade-long followed-up period and those 14 years older who did all of them. Much of the gain came from a reduction in deaths from cardiovascular disease. Even if middle age is behind you, doing any or all of these can help you live better and maybe longer.

VK Raju would add: Eat Right, Exercise Right, and Don’t take yourself too seriously (Ayurveda) (Dr. Raju can be reached at Cell: 304-288-2080; Home: 304-599-0705; email; vkr@vkraju.com)