Simple Steps to a Longer Life

Want to live a longer, healthier life? Experts say that these 10 simple steps can boost longevity and vitality: (1) Sip hot tea. Tea reduces kidney cancer risk by 15%. (2) Sleep enough'but not too much. Less than six and more than nine hours doubles your risk of early death. (3) Drink red wine. Polyphenols in red wine help your body block fat absorption. (4) Check your thyroid function. An underactive thyroid boosts cardiac risks by 65%. And HIVers already need to be watchful of increased risks for heart problems from some antiretrovirals. (5) Don't sit up too straight. A 90-degree angle puts too much strain on your spine. Best bet: Lean back about 45 degrees. (6) Avoid most air fresheners. They smell good but can contain phthalates that disrupt your body's hormones. (7) Take vitamin D. Four hundred IUs of vitamin D each day cuts the risk of early death by 7%. (8) Limit use of spray cleaners. Once-weekly use of spray cleaners boosts the risk of asthma attack by 76%. (9) Eat steamed broccoli. Steaming broccoli increases levels of cancer-fighting glucosinolates by 30%. (10) Rise and stretch. Sitting for too long activates genes in the body linked to heart disease, diabetes, and obesity.