Practicing optimism can increase both your healthspan and lifespan, as this positive trait has been linked to reductions in the risk of developing cardiovascular disease and stroke. People who are optimistic tend to live longer and have reduced rates of cognitive decline.

Healthspan differs from lifespan in that it measures years lived healthfully without developing chronic disease. You can increase healthspan by eating a healthy diet with dark leafy greens and cruciferous vegetables, regularly exercising, not smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, and limiting alcohol consumption.

Among the many cholesterol-lowering supplements touted by vitamin companies, there are four natural remedies for high cholesterol that scientific studies indicate might be worthy of your attention. The question for you is: Is there one that's right for you?

A large body of scientific research supports the idea that cardio exercise is vital to our heart and brain health. But some recent studies help to underscore just why exercise needs to play a role in everyone's life.