It’s not too late to change future now

When Nicolas Cage played Cris Johnson in the 2007 movie “Next,” he saved the world with his ability to see into the future — two minutes ahead. And while that makes for suspense, it’s not half as powerful or far-reaching as what’s been uncovered by researchers at Harvard’s School of Public Health.

The investigators were amazed to find that when middle-age and older folks reported that they had started substituting one daily serving of legumes or nuts for one daily serving of red meat during the previous decade or more, they slashed their risk of death by 8 to 17 percent during the 12 years the study covered. The researchers also discovered that folks whose dietary choices became less healthy as they got older increased their risk of dying during the same period of time by 6 to 12 percent.

Just think what giving up red and processed meat altogether could do for your health and longevity! Imagine the energy you’d regain, especially at age 65, if you started having seven to nine servings of fresh fruit and veggies a day, eating only 100 percent whole grains, and saying “no” to any added sugars or syrups, egg yolks or cheese.

Art therapy

In one memorable episode of “Mr. Bean,” Bean (Rowan Atkinson) attends an adult education day. When it’s time for art class, he sits down and begins drawing fruit, only to realize that a nude model has appeared. He goes over to the clay station, where he creates two clay pots to put over her breasts.

You may prefer a stiller life, like Mr. Bean, but a new study shows that if you are dealing with depression or other emotional issues, picking up a paintbrush can give your mental health a boost. The research, published in the International Journal of Health Promotion, tracked people’s mental health after taking a 12-week art class. Immediately after taking the class, a questionnaire showed that 80 percent of people felt more positive and reported improved relationships with others. Three months later, people still reported higher levels of positive mental health and social engagement.

Tap into your creative side — everybody has one. If you feel reluctant to give it a try, it might be easier if you enlist an art buddy — just like a workout buddy. Whether it’s sculpting, painting or drawing, doing a visual art could make you feel more confident and increase your engagement with others.

Email questions for Mehmet Oz and Mike Roizen to youdocsdaily@sharecare. com.