If every adult in America engaged in the disease-preventing activities that would be helpful to them, each could benefit from an extra 1.3 years in life expectancy, heart attacks would be reduced by 63 percent, and strokes would be reduced by 31 percent, according to researchers from three major health organizations.

The researchers - from the American Heart Association, American Diabetes Association and American Cancer Society - estimated the effects of 11 health-improving activities. These were related to lowering cholesterol and blood pressure, the use of aspirin in those at increased risk of heart attack, keeping a healthy weight, not smoking, and other issues.

They found that 78 percent of adults in the United States would benefit from doing at least one of these activities. If everyone did all of these activities - which of course is a tall order that's unlikely to happen - the population would enjoy the benefits mentioned above. But by just making more achievable lifestyle improvements, 36 percent of heart attacks and 20 percent of strokes could be prevented, and life expectancies could increase by nearly a year.

Take-home message: The authors point out that many of the 11 health-improving steps can be expensive. On the other hand, you may find that exercising more and improving your diet can be done with little to no added expense and giving up smoking can actually save you money.

Sources: Medical journals, news reports

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