Consider this an early Christmas present, in appreciation for following my ruminations on this web site.
Here’s some advice for living a long, healthy and happy life.

• the first rule of service is survival; be ruthless about that, if necessary;
• get at least 7 hours of sleep per night; if you get less at times, catch up ASAP;
• if you snore or if your nights are restless and fitful, get checked out for Obstructive Sleep Apnea: most cases are diagnosed after the heart attack or stroke...or after the third auto accident;  and no alcohol within 4 hours of going to sleep...alcohol wrecks good sleep;
• alcohol, in any quantity, is a poison to the brain, the heart and the liver; (“just the facts, ma’am”);
• there is stress, and there is STRESS; avoid the STRESS that is defined by resentment... like the plague; that STRESS will kill you;
• NO SMOKING; it’s irresponsible;
• “people who need people are the luckiest people in the world”, in the words of that great ballad; everybody needs somebody, so find, hold and cherish your soul-mate;
• get a yearly physical exam, complete with blood tests including serum lipids; and take lipitor if your serum  Cholesterol is above 210 or the LDL is above 120;
• take an adult aspirin daily, unless you are allergic to aspirin; and carry two adult aspirins on your person for emergency use in case of acute chest pain or related symptoms (remember that the use of Cox 2 inhibitors like vioxx and celebrex negate the heart-beneficial effects of aspirin); and don’t be in denial if such symptoms occur: call 911;
• take folic acid, 1 mg daily (need a prescription); take vitamin E, 200 units and vitamin C, 500 mg daily.

and “don’t forget to smell the flowers” every day.