A shocking new study in a journal of the American Heart Association revealed that 30 percent of folks would opt to shorten their life by two years rather than take a daily pill to avoid cardiovascular woes! That's how much many of YOU hate taking meds day after day.
But having a shorter life or taking daily meds aren't your only two options. You can opt for lifestyle changes that will make your heart's RealAge many years younger. To determine your heart's RealAge, go to doctoroz.com/realage, and then EXTEND your life and improve your heart health with these lifestyle upgrades (but never stop taking meds without talking to your doc first; there are risks from suddenly stopping blood pressure drugs, blood thinners, statins, aspirin and more):
Chomp it! Every day, go for foods that are high-fiber, nutrient-rich and contain healthy fats (mono- and polyunsaturated fats and omega-3s). Enjoy nuts (10-14 almonds or 12-14 walnut halves); get 1 cup of cooked 100 percent whole grains or 1 cup 100 percent whole-grain ready-to-eat cereal, plus 1/2 cup 100 percent whole grains cooked; aim for 5 to 9 servings of fruits and vegetables, and three 3-ounce servings of lean protein, like skinless poultry and fish or nuts and beans.
Move it! Use a pedometer to track your steps. Aim for 10,000 a day - no excuses. Add 10 minutes of strength training 2-3 days a week.
Cool it! Tamp down your stress responses with daily meditation and get 7-8 hours of restful sleep nightly.
Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.