Women could halve their risk of premature death by adopting a healthier lifestyle, research suggests. By avoiding cigarettes, exercising regularly, eating healthily and keeping weight in check, 55% of early deaths from chronic diseases could be avoided. Following all four lifestyle tips could cut 44% of cancer deaths and 72% of cardiovascular deaths, the study of nearly 80,000 nurses suggests. The work is published on the British Medical Journal website. In the 24-year study, 28% of the 8,882 deaths could be attributed to smoking and 55% to the combination of smoking, being overweight, not doing enough exercise and a poor diet.
Report author Dr Rob van Dam Drinking too much alcohol also contributed, but women with "light-to-moderate" alcohol consumption of up to one drink a day were less likely to die from cardiovascular diseases.
A spokeswoman from the British Nutrition Foundation said: "This study reaffirms the importance of prevention. "It is worth making lifestyle changes now, so that our later years are spent free from diseases such as cancer and heart disease." Professor Peter Weissberg, medical director at the BHF, said: "I hope the findings will encourage people to get active for their health."
Steve - ah...music to my ears!
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