Keep or make new friends and exercise, that's the advice to increase longevity that comes from a new study published in the BMJ (British Medical Journal) and discussed in a recent issue of the Tufts University Health and Letter.

It's not surprising to see that exercise made a difference, in fact it was the most important factor; but maintaining a rich social network was almost as important.

The Swedish study found that people over the age of 75 with a physically and socially active lifestyle lived an average of 5.4 years longer than their less active peers. Even at age 85 and older the "active" seniors lived an additional 4 years.

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Hilton Head Health (H3), is America's premier weight loss and health resort located on the shores of Hilton Head, South Carolina. For years, H3 has helped thousands of individuals learn to take control of their health through its proven Healthy Lifestyle™ program.  The tranquil environment and private facility is the perfect setting for a professional getaway. If a corporate retreat sounds right for your company, all (843)785-3919 or visit H3 online at www.hhhealth.com.

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Recipes from H3 Healthy Kitchen Chef Jen Welper: 

Southern Favorites 

As residents of the Lowcountry, we grew up on southern favorites that others travel here to taste. Although not always the healthiest, our unique cuisine is full of rich flavors that reflect the history of our region. With a few simple cooking tricks, you can enjoy all the dishes you grew up on without guilt. For example, use a medley of sharp cheeses in your cheese grits to cut back on the cheese while preserving that rich, creamy flavor. Bread and bake chicken instead of frying it-you will still get that crunch we all love without all the fat. Lastly, with such a bounty of fresh seafood available, be sure to incorporate seafood into at least two meals per week. Seafood has many health benefits other proteins do not offer.

Try some of these healthy southern recipes:  

Cheddar and Parmesan Grits

Pecan Crusted Chicken with Apricot-Ginger Dressing

Seared Scallops with Tarragon Sauce

Experience Lowcountry cooking at the H3 Healthy Kitchen in our newest Chef's Table offering, Gullah Style: A Lowcountry Celebration on March 28th. This Chef's Table includes a four-course meal featuring classics such as a seafood trio and blackberry cobbler with homemade ice cream, beer pairings, a recipe booklet and commemorative gift. Other Chef's Table themes include Italy: A Taste of Umbria, Classic American Chop House and France: Sundays in Alsace, just to name a few.