Sure, genes are an important factor in determining your longevity but the lifestyle you live is also a very important factor. Practicing healthy behaviors will contribute to a healthier and longer life.

Much of the illness that plagues Americans can be contributed to bad nutrition, inadequate physical activity, use of tobacco and excessive consumption of alcohol. Seven out of 10 Americans die each year from chronic diseases like heart disease, cancer and stroke.

These simple healthy lifestyle behaviors – smoking restraint, eating a healthy diet, exercising and limiting alcohol intake – will make you 66 percent less likely to die early from cancer and 65 percent less likely to die prematurely from cardiovascular disease. Follow these simple tips to increase your longevity …

- Don’t drink more than two alcoholic beverages per day (if you are female, limit to one drink per day)
- Don’t smoke cigarettes. If you already smoke, quit. There are many programs out there to help you kill this bad habit.
- Eat healthy. Start by eating more wholesome foods – fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy, lean protein. Cut back on sodium, saturated fat and sugar.
- Exercise. Partake in a mix of aerobic activity and strength training activities.