How to stay healthy in 2026
Dr. Marc Siegel, Fox News senior medical analyst, gives his top health tips for a healthy 2026 on ‘Fox News Live.’
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
Some 30% of Americans make at least one New Year’s resolution, statistics show — and they generally focus on exercising, eating healthier and losing weight.
Less than 10% of people, however, stick with their resolutions throughout the year, with nearly a quarter quitting in the first week.
To boost the success rate of resolutions, two doctors recommend pivoting from “quick fixes” and focusing more on science-based ways to achieve long-term <a A strong sense of purpose is one of the most powerful, and underestimated, predictors of longevity," a doctor said.(iStock)
“Research consistently shows that continued engagement in work — whether full-time, part-time or even purpose-driven projects — is associated with better cognitive resilience, cardiovascular health and overall longevity,” the doctor, who is founder and director of the Sagol Center for Hyperbaric Medicine and Research at Shamir Medical Center in Tel Aviv, Israel, told Fox News Digital.
4 ANTI-AGING APPROACHES REVEALED IN 2025 THAT MAY HELP AMERICANS LIVE LONGER
<a In other words, staying professionally active keeps the brain ‘in training,’ much like exercise does for muscles," he said. "The key isn’t working longer out of obligation; it’s staying engaged in something that challenges and fulfills you."
No. 2: Balance stress levels
Maroon, professor of neurological surgery at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, emphasizes the importance of managing stress for optimal wellness.
SCIENTISTS REVEAL THE ONE PRACTICE THAT COULD PREVENT DEMENTIA AS YOU AGE
“The key is to balance priorities — work, family and friends, spirituality and regular exercise — to reduce chronic stress, which I’ve seen contribute to poor sleep, anxiety and cardiovascular issues,” he shared.
Managing stress levels is important for optimal wellness, experts agree.(iStock)
“In my experience, this ‘stress balance’ is a key to health and longevity and may also help lower the risk of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s.”
No. 3: Find a sense of purpose
“A strong sense of purpose is one of the most powerful, and underestimated, predictors of longevity,” Efrati said.
Studies show that people who have meaningful pursuits have lower levels of chronic inflammation and a reduced risk of early death, the doctor noted.
7 STEPS TO ‘SUPER-AGING’ ARE KEY TO LIVING A LONGER, MORE FULFILLING LIFE, EXPERTS SAY
“Purpose activates both psychological and biological pathways. It influences stress regulation, immune balance and even cellular repair mechanisms,” the expert said.
“Whether purpose comes from work, family, creativity, service or learning, it acts as a biological stabilizer, giving the body a reason to invest in long-term maintenance and repair.”
No. 4: Embrace spirituality
Research suggests that “regular spiritual or communal practice” is linked to a reduced risk of early death who is also a member of Aviv Clinics’ scientific advisory board and author of “Square One: A Simple Guide To A Balanced Life.”
Research suggests that “regular spiritual or communal practice” is linked to a reduced risk of early death.(iStock)
“I believe it can be an important contributor to overall well-being,” he said, adding it’s also been linked to lower rates of depression.
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER
“Whether through faith, service or a consistent community routine, these practices can provide <a the doctor said.
No. 5: Treat food as fuel
Efrati says food should be viewed not merely as calories, but as fuel for cellular energy production and repair.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES
“Diets rich in whole, unprocessed foods, particularly the Mediterranean diet, provide the nutrients that support mitochondrial function, vascular health and brain metabolism,” he said.
“The goal isn’t restriction, it’s nourishment — supplying the body with what it needs to repair, adapt and thrive over time.”
The doctor recommends incorporating leafy greens, berries, legumes, nuts, olive oil, and fatty fish like salmon, which deliver antioxidants, polyphenols, omega-3 fatty acids and essential micronutrients that reduce inflammation and support longevity at the cellular level.
“The goal isn’t restriction, it’s nourishment — supplying the body with what it needs to repair, adapt and thrive over time,” Efrait added.
No. 6: Use sleep as a foundation
Maroon, who is also the medical consultant of the Pittsburgh Steelers, considers quality sleep a “cornerstone of brain health and longevity.”
“When you sleep well, you support healthy metabolism and immune function, and you also improve mood, focus and stress resilience,” he said.
TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ
“Just as important, good sleep makes it easier to maintain the daily habits that protect long-term health, including better nutrition, regular exercise and more consistent decision-making.”
Adults should get between seven and nine hours of sleep nightly to support brain, immune and cardiovascular health, according to medical experts.
