Fans of Star Trek and the iconic Vulcan First Officer Mr. Spock, are sure to be familiar with the expression "Live Long and Prosper".  Who knew the split finger salute was code for -- have a glass of wine and an occasional baked potato two!

University of California researchers -not affiliated with star fleet command- tracked data (not THAT Data) on around 1,700 people who were in their nineties in 2003. What they found would be sure to put a smile on Engineer Scotty's face.  They found modest drinking such as two glasses of wine or beer per day AND carrying a few extra pounds -like five to ten per decade- were both associated with increased longevity.  Another way to look at it is - a Spud and a Bud are the human body's equivalent of dilithium cyrstals.

Research also revealed that those who spent at least two hours per day on a hobby had a 21 percent lower risk of premature death.  In addition those who did between 15 and 45 minutes of moderate exercise a day had an 11 percent lower risk, and those who drank about two cups of coffee a day had a ten percent lower risk of premature death.   Sounds like a great formula to enable us to boldly go to birthday parties way beyond the years of our peers.  (Daily Mail)

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