Our mission at the Branford Community Foundation (BCF) is to improve the quality of life for people in Branford now and for generations to come—and you can’t achieve a high quality of life without your health! Inspired by the long Memorial Day weekend, here are a few “longevity” tips to make your holiday healthier than ever, compliments of the health experts at WebMD.

Wear safety gear!
Accidents are the 3rd most common cause of death in the U.S. and the top cause of death for people under 24. Seatbelts reduce chances of death in a car wreck by 50 percent. Most fatalities from bike accidents are caused by head injuries. So wear your helmets!

Live with purpose.
Hobbies and activities that have meaning to you (such as volunteering for a local organization like BCF!) may lengthen your life. Japanese researchers discovered that men who lived with a strong sense of purpose were less likely to die from stroke, heart disease, or other causes than men who were less sure of themselves.

Don’t forget to nap.
People who take regular naps are 37 percent less likely to die from heart disease. Researchers speculate that napping might keep stress hormones down. What’s more, sleeping a decent amount of time at night is also key. Adequate sleep (at least 5 hours or more) can lower your risk of obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and mood disorders.

Don’t let stress be your boss.
We all know the havoc stress can wreak on your mind and body. While you can’t avoid stress entirely, you can adjust your response to it. Try breathing exercises, meditation, yoga, or exercise to break up your routine and keep stress in check.

Want to discover a new purpose—and boost your health in the process? Explore the many causes we support at BCF by visiting our website, calling 203.444.4898, or donating to BCF today!