Health And Long Life

During the last 25 years, life expectancy at age 50 in the United States has been rising, but at a slower pace than in many other high-income countries, such as Japan and Australia. This difference is particularly notable given that the United States spends more on health care than any other nation. Concerned about this divergence, the National Institute on Aging asked the National Research Council to examine evidence on its possible causes. According to Explaining Divergent Levels of Longevity in High-Income Countries, the nation's history of heavy smoking is a major reason why lifespans in the United States fall short of those in many other high-income nations. Evidence suggests that current obesity levels play a substantial part as well. The book reports that lack of universal access to health care in the U.S. also has increased mortality and reduced life expectancy, though this is a less significant factor for those over age 65 because of Medicare access. For the main causes of death at older ages -- cancer and cardiovascular disease -- available indicators do not suggest that the U.S. health care system is failing to prevent deaths that would be averted elsewhere. In fact, cancer detection and survival appear to be better in the U.S. than in most other high-income nations, and survival rates following a heart attack also are favorable. Explaining Divergent Levels of Longevity in High-Income Countries identifies many gaps in research. For instance, while lung cancer deaths are a reliable marker of the damage from smoking, no clear-cut marker exists for obesity, physical inactivity, social integration, or other risks considered in this book. Moreover, evaluation of these risk factors is based on observational studies, which -- unlike randomized controlled trials -- are subject to many biases.

The New York Times bestselling book of simple rules everyone should follow in order to live a long, healthy life, featuring illustrations throughout, from the author of The End of Illness. In his international bestseller, The End of Illness, Dr. David B. Agus shared what he has learned from his work as a pioneering cancer doctor, revealing the innovative steps he takes to prolong the lives of not only cancer patients, but those who want to enjoy a vigorous, lengthy life. Now Dr. Agus has turned his research into a practical and concise illustrated handbook for everyday living. He believes optimal health begins with our daily routines. A Short Guide to a Long Life is divided into three sections (What to Do, What to Avoid, and Doctor’s Orders) that provide the definitive answers to many common and not-so-common questions: Who should take a baby aspirin daily? Are flu shots safe? What constitutes “healthy” foods? Why is it important to protect your senses? Are airport scanners hazardous? Dr. Agus will help you develop new patterns of personal health care, using inexpensive and widely available tools that are based on the latest and most reliable science. An accessible and essential handbook for preparing for visits to the doctor and maintaining control of your future, “A Short Guide to a Long Life explores the simple idea that a healthy tomorrow starts with good habits today” (Fortune).

This comprehensive reference book for healthy living prescribes well-rounded diet, exercise, and natural therapies-- Covers herbs, minerals, and exercises that may prolong lifeMiracle supplements, nutritional therapies, and "fountain of youth" hormones are sweeping the nation. But there is no wonder drug to ensure long life. Instead, this guide offers sound advice on developing habits that promote health and longevity. The authors present detailed information on nutrition, exercise, and stress management, explaining why and how the human body reacts to these factors.

In an unprecedented series of studies, Harvard Medical School has followed 824 subjects -- men and women, some rich, some poor -- from their teens to old age. Harvard's George Vaillant now uses these studies -- the most complete ever done anywhere in the world -- and the subjects' individual histories to illustrate the factors involved in reaching a happy, healthy old age. He explains precisely why some people turn out to be more resilient than others, the complicated effects of marriage and divorce, negative personality changes, and how to live a more fulfilling, satisfying and rewarding life in the later years. He shows why a person's background has less to do with their eventual happiness than the specific lifestyle choices they make. And he offers step-by-step advice about how each of us can change our lifestyles and age successfully. Sure to be debated on talk shows and in living rooms, Vaillant's definitive and inspiring book is the new classic account of how we live and how we can live better. It will receive massive media attention, and with good reason: we have never seen anything like it, and what it has to tell us will make all the difference in the world.

Long Life, Good Health traces the historical and philosophical development of Tai-Chi Chuan within the context of the sister martial arts from which it was created. This book includes precisely sequenced photographs, and step-by-step instructions. Though intended for beginners, Long Life, Good Health should fascinate more advanced students who want to research and compare ancient forms and lineages of Tai-Chi Chuan.

Simple changes or additions to your diet, exercise habits, and daily routine can boost your physical and mental health at every stage of life. Did you know that dried fruits can help banish brain fog? That a daily does of aspirin may help prevent cancer? That honey treats hangovers? These are just a few of the hundreds of tips and facts contained in Reader’s Digest Health Secrets for Long Life. Here you’ll find information from around the world on special diets, prescription drugs, herbal medicine, and home remedies as well as the safest and most effective treatments to include in this easy-to-use family health reference. Stay young, happy, and vibrant with simple suggestions such as the following: Get a flu shot to prevent heart attacks. Heart attacks are more common in the winter, especially among people who have had an infection such as the flu a week or two earlier. Warm your feet to ease headaches. Putting your feet in a bowl of warm water dilates the blood vessels in your feet and draws the blood away from your head, which may ease pain. Lift weights to lower your blood pressure. It improves blood flow and triggers a long-lasting drop in blood pressure. Use the power of flowers and herbs to ease your mood. Bach Flower Rescue Remedy is a popular standby for moments of emotional crisis. Lemon-scented lemon balm calms anxiety and depression. Reviewed by medical and nutrition experts, Reader’s Digest Health Secrets for Long Life offers essential information to boost your physical, mental, and emotional health at every stage of life.