Let’s assume you want to live a long and healthy life. You do some reading, some listening to what a few experts have to say on the subject, you exchange some thoughts with friends, make a few notes, and before you know it you are knee-deep in endless lists of to-do’s and to-not-do’s that overwhelm you in their requirements and are prohibitive in cost. The more information you gather, the more confused you become, and then, just when you think you’ve heard nothing but good news about a particular food of supplement, a study comes out to debunk the claim. What’s a person to do? Who’s a person to trust? How does one live out one’s life, adhere to a budget, account for one’s time—and still do right by one’s body?  

If only there were a short form that would give us a few pointers, and allow us to ease ourselves into a healthy regimen, one simple step at a time. The closest thing to such a form I have found recently is the following list of seven tips offered by Dr. Isadore Rosenfeld, publisher of Parade Magazine.

1. Keep your blood pressure within a normal range.
2. Get sound sleep every night; at least 7 or 8 hours.
3. Eat a healthy breakfast that includes foods containing Omega-3 and Omega-6, or take equivalent in supplements.
4. Consume several servings of fruits and vegetables.
5. Exercise your brain by doing crossword puzzles or other mental challenges, socializing, and generally keeping active.
6. Avoid too much alcohol.
7. Take a brisk 30-minute walk every day.