Swiss Study Confirms The Value Of A Healthy Lifestyle

An analysis of data from a Swiss survey of 16,721 people aged 16 to 90 from 1977 to 1993 found that healthful behaviors increase life expectancy considerably. Eating fruit, avoiding tobacco, limiting alcohol consumption, and exercising regularly all played a part in extending life expectancy. Of all the factors, smoking seems to be the most harmful, the researchers said. Smokers have a 57 percent higher risk of dying prematurely. An unhealthy diet, not enough physical activity, and alcohol abuse each raised the risk of death by about 15 percent. When all four factors are combined, the risk of early death increases by a factor of 2.5.