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Dr. Oz's 7-Day Anti-Aging Checklist

Added to Articles on Thu 07/08/2010

Friday: Contact 3 Friends

Staying in touch with friends and family gives you a purpose in life. It makes you accountable to others and, likewise, makes them accountable to you. Strong social networks reduce the negative effects of stress, and friends are the best mental medicine; in certain cases, friends can help remove 90% of the aging penalty after a major life event, such as a death or divorce.

 

Make plans and keep them. Schedule phone calls and share how your day's been. Send emails and make every word count. Whatever the method, reach out.

 

Saturday, Step 1: Have Sex!

A Queens University study found that men who had sex three times a week reduce their risk of having a heart attack by half. The same likely holds true for women, though quality may be more important than quantity. The average American only has sex once a week. The goal here is to engage in two intimate encounters a week. Safe, monogamous sex helps to reduce pain and stress, and improves immunity. Sex is a natural way to feel healthier – and burn off some calories. To be a part of Dr. Oz's National Sex Experiment and bring intimacy back into your life, click here.


Saturday, Step 2: Get More Sleep

This goal is the most important anti-aging secret. The benefits of a good night's rest can not be understated. People who sleep less than 6 hours a night have an increased risk of heart attack and stroke. Sleeping for as little as 6 hours can also make you crave more sugar.

 

The key point is to get closer to the ideal amount of sleep: 7.5 to 8 hours a night. It's important to sleep this much, because it's during the end of the sleep cycle that certain regenerative hormones are released; this phase is crucial to brain function.

 

Tip: Try a buckwheat pillow. The fibers inside don't crush as easily as feathers, gives you the support you need, and may help prevent wrinkles.

 

Click here for a step-by-step action plan that will help you get the quality sleep your body needs.

 

Now that you've got the first seven steps mapped out, learn how you can expand on this plan and continue to turn back the clock. Click here to take Dr. Oz's Ultimate Anti-Aging Challenge.