Dr. Lester Breslow Dies at 97

The man whose research gave naysayers mathematical proof that abandoning habits like smoking, eating healthily and getting the right amount of sleep can contribute to a longer life died Monday morning at his home in Los Angeles. He was 97.

Breslow will be most remembered by his study of 6,928 people in Alameda County, Calif. The study examined their behaviors for up to 20 years, using quantitative analysis to prove that a 45-year-old with six of the seven healthy habits that Breslow chose as important (exercise, not smoking, no alcohol or drug abuse, able to deal with stress, proper diet and good dental health) live 11 years longer than someone with three or fewer healthy habits.

As the saying goes, “Practice what you preach.” Dr. Lester Breslow certainly did that by following his basic rules of longevity and practising all things in moderation.