LACK OF SLEEP (- 5 years)

Good-quality sleep is positively linked to successful aging and longer survival. On the flip side, fragmented sleep patterns tend to be a sign of faster aging and disease.

Sleep studies prove that disrupted sleep raises levels of cortisol, blood fats, blood pressure, and cholesterol – all very powerful risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Additional effects of sleep deprivation include depression, irritability, decrease in immune function, memory and concentration levels and ability to handle stress.

The American Cancer Society performed a large study in 1950 and found that people who slept for just four or fewer hours a night had the highest death rates – while those who sleep excessively nine to ten hours a night had higher death rates. More recent research has confirmed that people sleeping six to seven hours a night live the longest.

CIGARETTE SMOKING (- 8 years)

Cigarette smoking is the single most important cause of preventable disease and premature death in developed countries. If you smoke, please read that statement again!

Tobacco smoke contains over 4,000 chemicals, many of which are highly toxic, such as arsenic, formaldehyde, cyanide, benzene, toluene, and acrolein. Smoking increases the risk of at least 50 different medical problems – ranging from cancer, heart disease, infertility, digestive challenges, dementia, not to mention a huge impact on health expectancy. The good news is you CAN turn back the clock. Once smokers quit, their health risks rapidly drop, and within a few years they may almost be back to normal. Do yourself, family and friends a big favor and find the support you need to stop smoking.