Dan Buettner’s Blue Zones project study indicated that human body life capacity is ninety years. However, average life expectancy in the United States is 78 years, leaving twelve potentially good years on the table. How do we get those extra good years?
Doing nothing is not the answer.
What is safe and worth the time to do? What is the risk of losing health or life on immature unproven solutions?
Throughout history, there have been many current best health practices which have turned out to be quackery and dangerous.
- 7 Unusual Ancient Medical Techniques
- 45 Sickening Medical Practices Doctors Thought Worked
- 10 Barbaric Medical Treatments Still Used Today
- 35 FDA Approved Drugs Later Pulled from Market and a more complete list here.
- When Evidence Says No, But Doctors Say Yes (long)
How can you avoid fake science and doctors who aren’t up to speed on the latest advances? In China they used to pay their doctors as long as they were healthy and stop paying when they became sick!
Are there evidence-based websites to make sure your physician is prescribing current best practices, check out suspiciously hyped products and research seemingly helpful health recommendations from friends and family?
Fortunately, yes.
- Consumer Reports Health provides the latest in-depth ratings, reviews, and buying advice on personal care and health products (monthly subscription)
- Consumer Lab provides independent test results, reviews, ratings and comparisons of vitamins, supplements, herb and nutrition products. (monthly subscription)
- The National Institute of Health’s website MedLinePlus offers reliable, up-to-date health information, anytime, anywhere. (free)
Also, see the list of top 20 causes of disability and death from the 2010 NIH study. Which of these can you avoid by making different lifestyle choices?
Surprisingly high blood pressure is tops on the list and on average reduces expected healthspan by over 7%. Consuming a diet low in fruit has over a 4% reduction. Some of these are easier to control than others.
If we reduce the risk by following good evidence-based health practices, then we can enjoy the rewards that come with keeping good health later in life.
