Dear Valued Vitalica Guest,

We are delighted to share with you insights from one of the renowned gastroenterologists worldwide,

Dr. Reşat Memişoğlu, on how to achieve a long and healthy life through simple changes. Dr. Reşat Memişoğlu, who continues to serve patients in both Canada and Turkey, emphasizes the importance of returning to our roots and breaking free from the factors that constantly influence our daily lives. We are pleased to pass on this article to you, which underscores the significance of this message.

  The Secret to a Long and Healthy Life 

From 2015 to the present day, the declining quality of life, which has been decreasing day by day, directly affects the prospect of a long and healthy life. Daily routines, work schedules, and the conditions created by advancing technology have often been designed to facilitate a practical lifestyle. However, it's important not to forget that this practical lifestyle also tends to bring people closer to an unhealthy way of living.

Approximately 20% of a person's lifespan is spent with low health standards. It should be noted that this 20% of life corresponds to the current 20% of the present day. Therefore, making certain changes from today onwards can directly impact our average lifespan. Here are 10 important changes that can be made:

• Adopting and integrating a balanced Mediterranean diet rich in fruits, vegetables, proteins, and carbohydrates into the daily nutrition program can be considered the first step towards a healthy diet.
• Developing a proper habit of drinking water is one of the most practical ways to repair various health issues. It has been scientifically proven that the lack of oxygen in the body forms the basis for certain diseases. To prevent and treat these processes, it's important to maintain the body's hydration by consuming an adequate amount of water.
• Maintaining a balanced weight throughout life is crucial. Even if there are occasional weight gains, maintaining a specific body mass index is a vital aspect of healthy living.
• With the age of tobacco use dropping to as young as 7 to 12 years old in today's world, we cannot speak of improving health indicators. Eliminating the use of tobacco and tobacco products, which have been found to cause multiple damages to various organs, should be one of the first steps to take.
• Alcohol consumption is another significant factor that causes multiple harms to the body, especially the liver, and reduces overall health quality. Limiting alcohol consumption or even eliminating it can prevent the onset of many diseases and contribute to a healthy body structure.
• Incorporating an exercise routine into the daily life may be challenging, considering the pace of daily routines. While it might not be feasible to exercise every day, having a consistent program throughout the week helps treat not only muscle and joint problems but also prevents deformations that could lead to organ fat accumulation.

• Exercises are not only for physical well-being. Humans activate their learning mechanism from the moment they are born. Thus, actively engaging this system and keeping the mind active is crucial. Stimulating the mind, staying updated, and continuously learning are of great importance.
• Regular check-ups and routine health assessments based on one's health condition not only minimize the risk of potential diseases but also play a role in monitoring previous health conditions.
• Unfortunately, in nearly every society, the practice of recommending and using non-prescription drugs has become commonplace. Even over-the-counter pain relievers, when used without a doctor's prescription, can leave severe consequences on the body. By eliminating this habit, which plays an active role in the declining health standards, you not only remove a simple substance from your life but also eliminate a significant risk.
• Despite regular exercise and healthy eating, stress remains a major factor that can negate the positive effects of these measures and even lead to new health problems. Research has shown that spending time with family and loved ones reduces and even eliminates stress. The release of oxytocin hormone in the brain during moments of happiness results in conditions that can prevent various illnesses. The happiness and sense of security derived from social life offer hormones that provide a psychologically preventive or healing treatment. For this reason, never neglect your loved ones in your life's pace.