It is not known why this promotes health and longevity but the thought is that enough sleep may enhance the body's immune system, reducing the body's susceptibility of infection. Being overweight increases your risk of developing heart disease, diabetes, cancer and other diseases. Even a 10-pound loss can make a difference in your health. Physical activity helps the body ward off many illnesses, especially lifestyle diseases that Americans are prone to. An example is diabetes - exercise seems to make the body more sensitive to insulin.
Sugar leaves the blood more efficiently, reducing the chance of diabetes getting a foothold.
Limiting alcohol intake. One drink a day for women, two for men appears to have a beneficial affect on the heart. More than that encourages chronic health problems. This is the most preventable cause of illness and death in our society. It is responsible for nearly one in five deaths.