The health and wellness information put out on television, podcasts, social media, websites and elsewhere can be overwhelming, but a leading oncologist and University of Pennsylvania bioethicist argues healthy aging can be simplified into six evidence-based rules."Don’t be a schmuck" is the first principle offered by Dr.Ezekiel Emanuel in his book, "Eat Your Ice Cream: Six Simple Rules for a Long and Healthy Life.""Don't be stupid," Emanuel said recently on the ZOE Science & Nutrition podcast.
"This is something my father used to say to his three sons very commonly when we were doing something dumb."Emanuel's brothers are former Chicago mayor Rahm Emanuel and powerful talent agent Ari Emanuel.CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTEREmanuel argued that obviously dangerous activities, such as BASE jumping, climbing Mount Everest and smoking and vaping are examples of being a schmuck because they carry a high risk of death.His other principles for living longer and reducing disease risk include prioritizing an active social life, staying mentally active with new hobbies and opportunities to learn, limiting processed and sugary foods and drinks without being overly restrictive, engaging in moderate exercise and getting proper sleep.TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ"Our entire brain is constructed around social interactions, and it does way more for us," Emanuel said."We know that if you're lonely, socially isolated, you dramatically increase your risks of mortality."More than three million people worldwide have been enrolled in studies about social interaction and longevity," he went on.
"And the socially isolated, people who have zero or one friends, don't see friends a lot, those people are much more likely to die in the next few years."A leading health expert argues that loneliness poses health risks comparable to smoking cigarettes.(iStock)According to Emanuel, being socially isolated or lonely "is the equivalent of smoking 15 cigarette...