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When Teddy Roosevelt was president, the average American lived to their mid-forties. Today we live nearly twice that long. Stem cells, cloning, nanotechnology and other 'high-tech' methods are expected to bring life expectancy to 'science fiction' levels.

According to the U .S. Department of Health and Human Services, the leading causes of death are 'aging diseases' such as heart disease (31%), cancer (23%) and strokes (7%). If these causes were eliminated, according to the journal Science, the average life expectancy would rise to 99.4 years. Ronald M. Klatz, M.D., D.O., President of the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine, offers these life extension tips:

'Gain 13 years protecting your cardiovascular system by keeping your total cholesterol below 200, LDL (bad cholesterol) below 150 and HDL (good cholesterol) above 45. Perform a half-hour of aerobic exercise and 15 minutes of strength training 3-4 times/week. Have yearly cardiovascular screening tests after 40 and take antioxidants on a daily basis.'

Dr. Klatz's personal daily antioxidant regimen consists of 90 mg. of CoEnzyme Q-10, 10,000 mg. of beta carotene, 2,000 mg. of vitamin C, 800 mg. of vitamin E and 400 mcg. Of selenium, as well as magnesium, B6, and pantothenic acid.

However, the American Dietetic Association believes that 'People should get their daily requirements of vitamins and minerals from the food they eat.' The recommended daily allowance may be met by 'consuming 2-3 servings of dairy, 3-5 servings of vegetables, 2-3 servings of meat, poultry fish, eggs and nuts, 6-11 servings of breads, rice and pasta and 2-4 servings of fruit per day.' They caution that this may not be sufficient for those who are too busy to eat properly, ill, elderly, and those on restricted diets (e.g. vegetarians, and those who avoid dairy). In fact, '40% of females are deficient in calcium and many in folate.'

Gail Frank, PhD., spokesman for the American Dietetics Association, feels that most Americans taking supplements are 'worried well,' swallowing supplements needlessly. She's concerned about their upper tolerable limits, although she's never personally seen these negative effects. According to the National Academy of Sciences, Dr. Klatz's recommendations are within the safety guidelines. In fact, both spokespeople for the American Dietetic Association take a multivitamin/minerals in spite of their best efforts to eat properly.

Dr. Klatz further advises to, 'Gain 3 years with early cancer detection, since 90% of cancer is curable in its earliest stage' (e.g. PSA testing, fecal blood analysis, PAP smears').

'Gain 1.4 years preventing adult-onset diabetes by maintaining ideal body weight, exercising'' and eating properly.

Drive a car weighing over 3500 pounds and buckle-up every time.

Protect yours body from stress by meditation, owning a dog, prayer, daily exercise, and consuming the nutrients already described.

Get adequate sleep by setting a regular sleep schedule, avoiding alcohol or drugs before bedtime, darkening your bedroom, and using eye shades (light disrupts natural Melatonin production).

Build new mental circuits--Play chess, answer questions on Jeopardy, volunteer, and take adult classes.

Drink 6-10 glasses of distilled non-tap water per day since water makes up 60% our body. The U.S. government has reported that 53 million Americans drink water containing potentially dangerous chemicals. A mineral supplement may be necessary, however, since they are not present in this type of water.

These tips may help you stay around to see the truly great longevity advances 10-30 years away. Scheduling an appointment to discuss these and other longevity ideas with your doctor may be the best hour you've ever spent.

Originally published in: Investor's Business Daily