Results of the Framingham Heart Study begun in 1948 suggest a new approach for those striving to live a long and healthy life. The approach is to reach age 50 with as few risk factors for heart disease and stroke as possible. According to the study, you can drastically reduce your risk for cardiovascular disease and add 10 years to your life by not smoking, maintaining a healthy weight and warding off diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.

Source: Circulation, February 14, 2006.