From which hand to brush your teeth with to exactly how you should walk – eight tricks to help you live longer

THERE ARE a lot of mixed messages about how to stay healthy.

But you don’t always need expensive technology or modern diets.

Emma Pietras reveals scientific discoveries that are easy to implement for a healthier, happier life.

GET YOUR NAILS DONE

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NAIL bars are popping up all over the high street – and scientists believe getting your nails done is good for you.

A Japanese study showed that the light-hearted chat you have in the salon – known as “shallow self-disclosure” – is associated with increased positive emotions.

Study author Prof Atsushi Kawakubo said: “Our research suggests that engaging in nail care in beauty salons, with light self-disclosure, can boost someone’s psychological state.”

EAT AN APPLE EVERY DAY

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The old story of “a litter a day keeps the doctor away” may be true – as the fruit can protect the brain from harmful substances.

A US study of 2,800 people aged 50 found that those who ate less flavonoid-rich foods, such as apples, were up to four times more likely to develop dementia over a 20-year period.

Food scientist Dr Vincent Candrawinata said: “It’s incredible to think that a simple fruit like an apple can play such an important role.”

USE YOUR HAND NOT DOM

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DOING everyday activities, such as brushing your teeth or stirring a pot, without using your writing hand, can help prevent memory loss and increase accuracy.

A 2016 study from the University of Washington School of Medicine found that 89 percent of individuals experienced greater speed, accuracy and smoothness in their non-dominant hand after ten days of writing exercises.

Researchers believe this was a result of the creation of new neural pathways.

TRY RETRO WALKING

RETRO walking – or walking backwards – dates back to the 19th century as a hobby, with some people walking thousands of kilometers in reverse.

And modern research reveals that the practice can have a real effect benefits for your health and brain.

Janet Dufek, a biomechanics expert at the University of Nevada, found that walking backwards for ten to 15 minutes a day for a month can increase hamstring flexibility.

It can also strengthen the back muscles responsible for spinal stability and flexibility.

WALK 64 MINUTES A DAY

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We’ve all heard about walking 10,000 steps a day, which takes the average person an hour and 40 minutes.

But a March study by Professor Emmanuel Stamatakis of the University of Sydney found that walking 64 minutes a day – 6,000 to 8,000 steps – can improve overall health.

He says: “You don’t need to go for an hour walk every day.

“The walking accumulated by the participants was the kind you accumulate in everyday activities.”

GET UP FOR 2.6 HOURS

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It’s no secret that sitting less and moving more is better for your health – and now an expert has revealed how long we should stand up each day.

Dr Christian Brakenridge, from Swinburne University of Technology, said the ideal time is five hours and ten minutes, but even standing for 2.6 hours a day is associated with better results.

He added: “The important thing is to replace excessive sitting with any other activity, including standing.”

HUFF AND PUFF FOR 4.4 MINUTES

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YOU’VE probably heard of HIIT (high-intensity interval training), but what about VILPA (vigorous intermittent lifestyle physical activity)?

It involves short bursts of huffing and puffing, lasting about 60 seconds.

Prof Stamatakis explains: “It is not a structured form of exercise, but rather a daily activity. It should be something that you find easy to fit into your day.

Try running for the bus or playing high-energy games with your kids.

CLIMB STAIRS INSTEAD OF THE ELEVATOR

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It is widely known that using stairs instead of elevators is better for our health.

For those who don’t exercise, just walking up and down can help improve blood sugar and cholesterol levels, as well as lower blood pressure.

Professor Stamatakis says: “For someone who doesn’t consider themselves an exerciser, climbing stairs is tremendously effective.

“Going up and down a few flights with effort during the day for a total of five minutes is a good idea. target.”