Part 1. The state of our health: What kills us ; How do we get from healthy to diseased? ; A longer life in good health ; Slow change in permanent change ; Messages for millennials ; For baby boomers ; Boosting the immune system -- part 2. From surviving to thriving: Step 1: Food that fuels ; Step 2: Be active and fit ; Step 3: Prioritize sleep ; Step 4: Get a handle on stress ; Step 5: Avoid smoking and other pollutants ; Step 6: Be thoughtful about alcohol ; Step 7: The (un)importance of weight -- part 3. Additional help: Assessments, tips and resources ; Other resource ; Selected recommended reading

In the past century, the leading causes of death around the world have shifted from infectious diseases to long-term chronic illnesses. What's killing us today isn't so much flu or tuberculosis, but heart disease and cancer. In fact, more than 1.2 million Americans die from these two diseases each year. Paradoxically, these chronic diseases are a consequence of living longer than ever. But even if we're living longer, are we living better? The overwhelming number of people now living under the burden of chronic illness indicates otherwise. After surviving two bouts of cancer, Dr. Stephen Kopecky, M.D set out to discover the behaviors people can adopt to live longer lives free of chronic illnesses and diseases. What he discovered was that the answer lies in just six habits that require small changes to your daily life, but reap big results long-term. From adopting better diet and exercise habits to managing stress and sleep, these behaviors can preserve your health, improve your quality of living, and extend your life. The secret, however, lies not just in the steps themselves but in how you accomplish them. This book offers in-depth insights on: the best foods to eat and why; increasing physical activity and improving fitness; why your sleep habits matter; the dangers of stress and what to do about them; the true impact of alcohol and tobacco on our bodies how to make changes that will last a lifetime