Doctor says quit five habits 'before you reach 40' to live longer

They say that life begins at 40 - however, a doctor has issued a warning about certain lifestyle choices you should consider discarding before reaching this milestone age. Dr Evan Levine, a consultant cardiologist, took to TikTok to outline five habits he believes you should eliminate for a happier and healthier future.

Figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) last year revealed the average UK life expectancy had for the first time more than a decade – 78.6 years for boys born from 2020 to 2022, and 82.6 for girls. But Dr Levine said you may be in a better position to beat the odds if you follow his advice.

The New York-based specialist insists that if living longer is your goal, reconsidering some common habits may well be in order. "Five things you need to stop doing by the age of 40, although it's never too late to stop," he began in a video.

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Smoking

Starting with perhaps the most obvious factor, Dr Levine highlighted the importance of considering giving up smoking as you edge towards 40. "Studies show that the greatest sensation from smoking comes early in adulthood," he explained.

"You can reverse most of the complications [from smoking], but don't wait until you are 60 - stop right now."

With regards to smoking, the NHS advises: "Every cigarette you smoke is harmful. Smoking is the biggest cause of preventable deaths in England, accounting for more than 80,000 deaths each year. One in two smokers will die from a smoking-related disease."

The NHS also recommends downloading its free NHS Quit Smoking app for "daily motivation" and to track your progress.

Alcohol

Dr Levine ranks cutting down on alcohol as the second key health move. "Alcohol affects the risk of cancer - especially in women through heart disease and atrial fibrillation," he remarked.

He warned that having more than a single drink daily is "dangerous" for your wellbeing. "You're not a kid anymore," Dr Levine pointed out.

"As well as causing serious health problems, long-term alcohol misuse can lead to social problems for some people, such as unemployment, divorce, domestic abuse and homelessness," the NHS advises online. "To keep health risks from alcohol to a low level, both men and women are advised not to regularly drink more than 14 units a week."

Drugs

"Sorry to say, but number three is marijuana," the doctor continued, highlighting the drug's link to cognitive decline. "It also increases your risk of dementia in later life - and of course any drugs like cocaine... that next snort... your heart's not that young anymore, it could be your last," he warned.

In the UK, cannabis is illegal for recreational use, and it's classified as a Class B drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, while cocaine is listed as a Class A substance.

The NHS' advice on drugs reads: "If you need help for a drug problem, you're entitled to treatment in the same way as anyone else who has a health problem. A GP may be a good place to start. They can discuss your problems with you and help get you into treatment."

Over-exercising

It might come as a shock, but Dr Levine warns that "too much of a good thing" - such as long-distance running and extreme exercise - might seem beneficial, but can turn out to be the "cash cow of orthopaedic doctors."

He explained: "Pounding away at your hips, knees and feet, especially when you age, increases your risk of joint disease and needs for replacements."

The doctor recommends such activities are "tapered down" to just a couple of miles, while alternative forms of exercise could be sought to help. He added: "Long-distance running is also associated with a higher risk of atrial fibrillation, especially as you get older."

Dr Levine also expressed concerns about heavy weight training. "Doing so over and over increases your blood pressure, and can also increase heart disease - so time to cut down on the weights also," he advised.

For people aged 19 to 64, NHS Inform states that "all adults should aim to be physically active every day. The more you do, the greater the benefit to your health and wellbeing."

Meanwhile, for people aged 65 and over, the NHS recommends:

• be physically active every day, even if it's just light activity
• do activities that improve strength, balance and flexibility on at least 2 days a week
• do at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity activity a week or 75 minutes of vigorous intensity activity if you are already active, or a combination of both
• reduce time spent sitting or lying down and break up long periods of not moving with some activity

Eating junk food

Dr Levine emphasised in his closing remarks: "Sorry, but you are 40 now - stop eating everything you want." While this might be more easily said than done, he suggested that "following simple rules" can greatly benefit your wellbeing.

Don't overcomplicate it, he advises, proposing that individuals should cut back on "fast foods, sugary drinks like sodas, frappuccinos and energy drinks."

And his parting piece of advice? "Look, your 40s will either make or break you if you want to have another 40 plus good years."

The NHS' Eat Well service advises everyone to eat a balanced diet. The Eatwell Guide shows that to have a healthy, balanced diet.