How can I know if my lifestyle is reducing my life expectancy or will result in some serious ailment such as cancer or diabetes? Numerous studies of populations have shown that certain behaviors are threats to optimum health. Some of these are more important than others. Many are interrelated, so that a change in one may break a chain-like reaction.

For example, the risk of high-blood cholesterol, a factor in fatal heart disease, is linked to a cluster of health habits: excess saturated (animal) fat and cholesterol in the diet, lack of exercise, excess dietary calories, sedentary habits that contribute to obesity.

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