Healthy Living Leads to a Long Life

By Dr. Madelyn Fernstrom

That headline is constantly in the news – and many of us think it’s a new one, based on “recent scientific studies.” But did you know that nearly 50 years ago, a public health pioneer documented this “new” finding?

Dr. Lester Breslow, who recently died at age 97, provided mathematical proof that certain healthy habits were connected to a longer life. This shook the public health world, since it confirmed that behavior could most definitely influence longevity. It’s not just a question of biology or “luck.”

Nowadays, with all of the fine-tuning of health messaging, maybe it’s time to get back to the basics as the foundation of healthy living. Here are the recommendations of Dr. Breslow, from the 1960s:

• Don’t smoke.
• Drink in moderation.
• Sleep 7 to 8 hours nightly.
• Exercise moderately.
• Eat breakfast.
• Eat regular meals.
• Maintain a moderate weight.

Sound familiar? And you’ll note the word “moderate” repeated. Maybe it’s time to avoid the health extremes – of having “ideal” healthy habits – and just make small changes over time. Feeling overwhelmed with this list? Pick one or two, and build on that. 

Are you overwhelmed with too much health information? Does this strategy make sense to you? Let me know!