Your Health Today
Study: Small Lifestyle Changes Significantly Lower Risk of Chronic Diseases
A new study published by the Journal of the American Heart Association highlights how adopting just a few key healthy habits can significantly lower the risk of chronic diseases — even for people with a genetic predisposition.
Researchers reviewed 483 studies to examine the impact of maintaining at least three of the American Heart Association’s Life’s Simple 7 health metrics: not smoking, healthy diet, regular exercise, healthy weight, optimal blood pressure, controlled blood sugar, and managed cholesterol.
The meta-analysis found that improving even one of these factors could lower the risk of dementia by 11%, eye disease by 6%, fatty liver disease by 23%, and chronic kidney disease by 11%.
“This means small changes, such as moving from obesity to overweight or adding some physical activity, count as progress,” said lead study author Dr. Liliana Aguayo from Emory University in Atlanta.
While the study focused on Life’s Simple 7, the AHA has since updated its guidelines to Life’s Essential 8, now including sleep health as a key factor. Ideal sleep recommendations range from 7–9 hours per night for adults, with additional guidelines for children and teens.
Dr. Nour Makarem from Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health, who was not involved in the study, said these findings confirm that even minor adjustments in diet, exercise, or sleep can have whole-body health benefits, beyond just heart health.
Globally, fewer than 4% of people meet the criteria for ideal cardiovascular health. Researchers stress the importance of supporting young people and women in particular, as cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death among women.
“The key message is that it is never too early or too late to make small, feasible changes,” Aguayo said. “Supporting the heart health of young people and women is both cost-effective and the right thing to do.”
The American Heart Association recommends plant-based foods, lean proteins like fish, and limiting processed foods and sugary beverages. Adults should aim for 150 minutes of moderate physical activity or 75 minutes of vigorous activity each week.
Explore: NBCPalmSprings.com, where we are connecting the Valley.
By: CNN Newsource
July 16, 2025
Latest Instagram Posts
🗳️ ELECTION NIGHT UPDATES – NBC PALM SPRINGS Stay with NBC Palm Springs throughout Election Night for the latest results, breaking developments, and election updates! You can follow our coverage across all of our platforms: 📱 Instagram – Follow our page for updates throughout the night. 👍 Facebook – Find the latest election news and results on our Facebook page. 🌐 NBCPalmSprings.com – Watch our live coverage in the viewer right on the front page of our website. ▶️ YouTube – Join us in the LIVE section of our YouTube page. Wherever you follow us, NBC Palm Springs has you covered on Election Night! Stay informed. Stay connected. Follow NBC Palm Springs. #ElectionNight #NBCPalmSprings #Election2026 #CoachellaValley #ElectionCoverage
Privacy. Security. Style. Whether you’re looking to enhance your backyard, secure your property, or add curb appeal, E&E Fence Co. is ready to help bring your vision to life. Call (951) 616-8553 to request an estimate! Beaumont, CA Follow us: @eandefenceco #EEFenceCo #FenceInstallation #BeaumontCA #InlandEmpire #HomeImprovement #PrivacyFence #FenceContractor
Who makes the NBC Top 3, winner will be announced Sunday night on NBC Palm Springs, with the player who makes the number one spot winning a $250 prize from @hondaofthedesert! Comment below if it will be 1) James Madden Ruberg with the rushing TD, 2) Joshua Perez with the dot, 3) Anthony Creek-Pellum, 4) Giorgio Barone goes all the way, or 5) Izayah Garcia with the tackle for a loss #hondaofthedesert #fnl #fridaynightlights #fyp #highschoolfootball
🚨 FINAL SCORE: FIREBIRDS WIN! 🔥🏒 A big night for the Coachella Valley Firebirds! The Birds take care of business with a convincing 5-1 victory! Five goals, a strong performance, and two points in the standings! That’s how you get it done! 🐦🔥 #CVFirebirds #FirebirdsWin #CoachellaValley #AHL #HockeyNigh
🥊 THE ONLY FIGHT OF THE NIGHT… SO FAR! 🔥 With just over four minutes remaining in the third period, the gloves finally came off! The Firebirds are leading 5-1, but there’s still time for more fireworks before the final horn! 🏒💥 #CVFirebirds #AHL #HockeyFights #CoachellaValley #HockeyNight
💀🏒 ¡Feliz Día de los Muertos! Adding a little sabor to tonight’s Firebirds vs. Henderson matchup! Our own Pablo Alsina is here bringing some Spanish flair to this special Día de los Muertos night in the desert. Hockey, culture, and a whole lot of celebration! 🔥🐦 #FirebirdsHockey #DiaDeLosMuertos #CoachellaValley #CVFirebirds #HockeyNight DíaDeLosMuertos
🏒 GAME NIGHT IN THE DESERT! 🔥 Tim O’Brien gets us ready for tonight’s matchup as your Coachella Valley Firebirds take on the Henderson Silver Knights! The energy is building, the puck is about to drop, and we’re ready for another night of Firebirds hockey! Let’s go, Firebirds! 🐦🔥 #FirebirdsHockey #CVFirebirds #CoachellaValley #HockeyNight #AHL LetsGoFirebirds
Your In-Arena hosts tonight!!! Tim O’Brien and Pablo Alsina!!
Remembering and honoring the loved ones we’ve lost. ❤️ Dia de los Muertos is about more than mourning — it’s a time to celebrate the lives, memories and traditions of those who will always remain in our hearts. We spoke with Mateo Gomez of Forest Lawn about the importance of keeping those memories alive and creating healthier conversations around grief and loss, including the stigma surrounding suicide. Join Forest Lawn for a special Día de los Muertos celebration this Monday in Cathedral City, from 5 to 8 p.m. Families are invited to come together, remember loved ones and celebrate their lives. #DiaDeLosMuertos #DayOfTheDead #ForestLawn #CathedralCity #RememberingLovedOnes #GriefSupport #NBCPalmSprings
Whatever you do after surgery... rule 1: do NOT post it on social media! #therogginreport #menshealth #viralreels #localnews #nbcpalmsprings