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5 Signs You’ll Live Longer Than You Think

FitSugar — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 14:30:00 -0700

I am always trying to do what I can to extend my own life expectancy. Sometimes I consciously make decisions that I know will keep me around longer (like not smoking), but there are also many things that we all do (some we have no control over), which influence how long we're going to live. Prevention recently listed some surprising signs you’ll live longer than you think. So instead of thinking you need to change up your habits, give yourself a pat on the back for the ones you already do. Check out my favorites from the list in this slideshow.

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Laughter: More Than The Best Medicine

FitSugar — Tue, 20 Mar 2007 03:00:00 -0700

We have all heard that laughter is the best medicine; well some Norwegian researchers think it might just be more than that. Folks that have a sense of humor, especially in the face of cancer, outlive those who don't find life funny. The study tracked 57,000 Norwegians for 7 years and the larger role humor played in participants' daily lives, the greater their chances for surviving. Check out this article at USA Today for more on this study.

Now another recent study, this one British, found laughter acts as a "social lubricant" and can thereby make folks more altruistic as a group. Participants were shown either serious or comic videos in groups and then asked to "invest" money. They could invest either "privately" with a guaranteed return or "communally" with all participants receiving an equal return, but with no guarantee that it would match the amount put into the investment. Yep, you guessed it - the participants that laughed with their investing partners, who they had never met before, were more likely to invest communally. Laughing together makes people feel like they are more connected. The researchers are postulating that laughter could have evolutionary significance in creating group bonding which increases the group's survival in stressful situations.

Well...laugh and the world laughs with you...and you might live longer...and you might invest your money more altruistically which would make you feel warm inside.

Now if you are looking for a laugh, a chuckle or a guffaw...check out my buddy GiggleSugar. I am sure she has something to help you live longer.

Stop Monkeying Around and Wear Sunscreen

FitSugar — Sun, 26 Nov 2006 05:35:00 -0800

You always tell your husband to stop acting like a monkey, but now you may want to change that tune.

HealthDay News reported that (according to new research in the journal Current Biology) male chimps prefer older females with bald patches, sagging skin and wrinkles over younger females with full fur and well-toned bodies.

That's good news for monkeys since I can't think of one that wears sunscreen and works out regularly. What a different world it would be if human primates felt the same.

For those of us not worried about what our male counterparts think, but who still want to look good for a very long time there is sunscreen. One of the best things you can do to stay looking young and to prevent skin cancer is to protect your skin. I know it's hard to think about in the middle of winter but if you're planning a sunny holiday or ski trip, you should invest in a good sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher. Remember to apply it 15-30 minutes before going outdoors.

Fit's Tip: Always look for a lotion that protects from ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays. If you have sensitive skin, look for a sunscreen that contains only zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. These ingredients will provide a barrier against UV rays without your skin chemically taking them in, which in theory is gentler on your skin.