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Medical researchers are constantly looking for ways to improve our standards for a healthier and longer life. It seems overwhelming sometimes scrutinizing the checklist of things we need to pay attention to so that our bodies can run at their peak mental and physical capabilities, but the reward of a longer and better life span is worth it. On that front, a new study has identified 17 ways of cutting down the risks for three ailments- stroke, depression and dementia- simultaneously. Dr. Gregory Poland is the leader in vaccines and infectious diseases at the Mayo Clinic. He appeared on 710 WOR’s Mendte in the Morning program to highlight the ways we can improve those factors and stay healthier.
Specifically, Dr. Poland addressed five key factors for host Larry Mendte that we can control. “When you look at the big five, the ones that have the most effect, it’s your blood pressure, your body weight- particularly being obese increases those risks- your blood sugar, related to your blood pressure [is] your sodium intake, and smoking… and those are things that everybody can take control of and improve.”
Ultimately, Dr. Poland strongly urges people to focus on as many of the factors as possible, as they are indicators that some other condition might become a problem. “These risk factors overlap. It’s more than stroke and dementia; it’s also heart disease, it’s also mental health, physical activity, et cetera. These all overlap, and they’re just good, healthy living strategies.”
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