masvida

By Dr. Madelyn Fernstrom That headline is constantly in the news – and many of us think it’s a new one, based on “recent scientific studies.” But did you know that nearly 50 years ago, a public health pioneer documented this “new” finding? Dr. Lester Breslow, who recently died at age 97, provided mathematical proof that certain healthy habits were connected to a longer life. This shook the public health world, since it confirmed that behavior could most definitely influence longevity. It’s not just a question of biology or “luck.” Nowadays, with all of the fine-tuning of health messaging, maybe it’s time to get back to the basics as the foundation of healthy living. Here are the recommendations of Dr. Breslow, from the 1960s: Don’t smoke. Drink in moderation. Sleep 7 to 8 hours nightly. Exercise moderately. Eat breakfast. Eat regular meals. Maintain a moderate weight. Sound familiar? And you’ll note the word “moderate” repeated. Maybe it’s time to avoid the health extremes – of having...