1. Laughing eases stress, lowers blood pressure, and may boost your immune system. So bring more humor into your life, whether it’s through friends or a TV show (preferably mine).
2. No matter how long you brush, you’re missing a portion of each tooth’s surface. That’s like washing one armpit. Use floss that stretches to glide between your teeth. For more tips from the guys who matter, check out these amazing 25 Life-Changing Lessons from Super-Successful Men!
3. The most unselfish thing in the world is to focus on someone else. That’s why I fish with my son. It centers us. I always hope we don’t catch anything. It gets in the way of talking.
4. Seven hours of sleep a night can help you live longer, ease your stress, sharpen your memory, and reduce those cravings for pants-splitting foods. Set a bedtime and stick to it. That’s just one of the 25 Ways to Be Happier Now!
5. About a third of us have insufficient vitamin D, of which the sun is a major source. This vitamin may play a role in fighting cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. Take 1,000 IU daily.
6. Grab a tape measure and put it around your body at the level of your belly button. That number should be less than half your height. So for my 6’1″ frame, my waist should be under 36.5″. Make that one of these 40 Things You Must Do in Your 40s!
7. Before you flush, take a look at your poop. It should be smooth and S-shaped. If it’s too lumpy or like marbles, you’re constipated. Increase your fiber and water intake.
8. Yoga relieves stress and lowers blood pressure. Every morning I do sun salutations, a series of four poses. After each set, I do 20 pushups, and I add 20 more at the end, for a total of 100. Staying fit is one of the 40 Best Things About Being in Your 40s!
9. Work up a sweat for just an hour a week to reduce your risk of heart attack and improve your mood. I like interval training on the elliptical, with 15 pullups and 15 dips every 10 minutes.
10. Spinal woes? The latest research shows that bed rest weakens back muscles and prolongs the suffering. The best solution is to get up, take a pain reliever, and soldier through the day. And to make the most of every day, get going on these 50 Things You Must Do Before You Die!
11. Ever wonder why women live longer than men? One reason: They form tight networks and actually talk about their problems. Make the effort to have quality time with your friends.
12. Learn your heart’s vital signs: BP (which ideally should not exceed 115 over 75), LDL cholesterol (under 100), resting heart rate (under 70), and fasting blood sugar (under 100). It’s just one of these 25 Ways to be Happier Now!
13. Brightly colored vegetables are packed with inflammation-lowering antioxidants. Eat nine fistfuls of colorful fruits and vegetables each day for the best results. (Skittles don’t count.)
14. Seek a second opinion before undergoing any procedure, because 30 percent of the time, that opinion will change the diagnosis. And educate yourself about your family’s medical history.
15. Check your testicles for bumps at least once a month. Each testicle should feel smooth and slightly soft, and one should hang a little lower, like two avocados on a tree. And stock your kitchen with these 25 Foods That’ll Keep You Young Forever!