New gene news
If you know that certain conditions run in your family -- say, high blood pressure or Type 2 diabetes -- you may worry that no matter what you do, you’ll end up with the same health woes. Not true. An unhealthy lifestyle is much riskier -- accounting for more than a 78% increased risk of dying prematurely, regardless of genetic predisposition. Genetic predisposition, on the other hand, ups the risk of premature death by just 22% or less (no matter if you have a healthy or unhealthy lifestyle) compared to folks with life-extending genetics.
That was the conclusion of research published in BMJ Evidence-based Medicine that looked at more than 350,000 adults. It reveals that certain lifestyle choices -- diet and exercise, alcohol and tobacco use, and quality/quantity of sleep -- have the greatest influence on longevity.
So don’t have the blues about your genes. Discover the empowering support and advice we provide in our books, our new joint newsletter (sign up at Longevityplaybook.com) and our blogs at iherb.com. Dr. Mike is now a contributor there, too! You’ll discover that you have the inner strength to upgrade your habits, and we are here to make sure you have the information and encouragement you want.
Our “You Tip” for today? Identify one area of your daily habits that you want to change. Then find a supporting posse. For example, go to Psychologytoday.org to find a weight-loss support group. Get help to stop smoking at Smokefree.gov and find or start a walking group through meetup.com, recommended by the American Heart Association. Your future starts today!