Doctors say 8 forgotten habits could help fight stress, obesity and chronic disease - Fox News

Video The 8 healthy habits doctors wish more people would bring back Rates of chronic disease, obesity and stress continue to rise across America. Experts warn that some of the healthiest habits from the nation's earlier centuries may have fallen by the wayside. Rates of chronic disease, obesity and stress continue to rise across America. Experts warn that some of the healthiest habits from the nation's earlier centuries may have fallen by the wayside. From walking as a way of life to eating seasonal foods and spending more time outdoors, they say some of these forgotten routines are worth reviving. AMERICAN VACCINES THAT TRANSFORMED PUBLIC HEALTH OVER 250 YEARS: 'OUTWEIGHS HARM' "America needs to get back to its roots healthwise," Dr. Marc Siegel, Fox News senior medical analyst, told Fox News Digital. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week (about 30 minutes a day, five days a week), which can include brisk walking. (iStock) Dr. Kenneth J. Perry, a physician based in South Carolina, said walking has decreased as people have moved to the suburbs. "As Americans moved further out of the city center for more space and larger homes, they spent more time sitting in a car rather than walking to work," he told Fox News Digital. AMERICA'S NATIONAL PARKS COULD ADD YEARS TO YOUR LIFE — HERE'S HOW THEY BOOST HEALTH A study published in the American Journal of Preventative Medicine showed that prolonged commuting times have been directly linked to increases in BMI (body mass index), waist circumference and overall decrease in metabolic health, the doctor noted. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week (about 30 minutes a day, five days a week), which would include brisk walking. Only about one in four U.S. adults meet the recommended guidelines for both aerobic and muscle-strengthening activity, per the CDC. "We are a country of wide open spaces and beautiful vistas – we need to walk more and breathe our fresh air," Siegel added. Exposure to morning light has been shown to support circadian health and better sleep, and sunlight is the body's primary natural source of vitamin D. "It is well-known that early sunlight helps to regulate the circadian rhythm of animals and may be helpful in regulating sleep patterns," said a physician.  (iStock) "Some individuals may have severe difficulty with sleep, and therefore are having difficulty regulating their personal day-night cycles," Perry said.  "It is well-known that early sunlight helps to regulate the circadian rhythm of animals and may be helpful in regulating sleep patterns." THE '1776 DIET': WHAT AMERICANS REALLY ATE DURING THE NATION'S FOUNDING Sunlight exposure can also have positive effects on health, the doctor said. "The hormonal balance that is regulated by the circadian rhythm can also lead to better weight management and blood pressure control." Surveys show that nearly half of U.S. adults spend less than five hours per week in nature – but time outdoors is known to be a natural health-booster. A landmark study of nearly 20,000 adults found that people who got at least 120 minutes per week in nature were significantly more likely to be in good health than those who spent no time outside. "We are a country of wide open spaces and beautiful vistas – we need to walk more and breathe our fresh air." Another review found that combining exercise with time outdoors was more beneficial than just exercise or nature exposure alone, with improvements seen in mental health and chronic disease risk. There are some health benefits to turning in earlier, research has shown. Observational studies have found that people with very late bedtimes often have higher risks of heart disease, metabolic disorders and mortality. THIS ONE QUESTION MAY REVEAL WHETHER YOUR BODY IS GETTING THE REST IT NEEDS, STUDY FINDS "As we know that the only steadfast way to lose weight is to be in a calorie deficit, if an individual is using the late night hours to overindulge, going to bed earlier may help maintain better overall health," Perry added. The National Sleep Foundation recommends seven to nine hours of sleep for adults aged 18-64 and seven to eight hours for adults 65 and up. Americans now get more than half of their daily calories from ultraprocessed foods, according to NIH-supported research. TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ "We know that excess calories, specifically calories from extra sugar in the diet, can lead to diabetes, obesity, hypertension and a multitude of downstream health problems," Perry said. "Local, minimally processed foods are going to be much better for the overall health of society." "We need to eat our own fresh produce more and not the chemically laced products that can give us cancer and heart disease," said a medical expert.  (iStock) Siegel echoed the importance of embracing more whole foods. "We are a country of farmers – we need to eat our own fresh produce more and not the chemically laced products that can give us cancer and heart disease," he told Fox News Digital.