Five things that will send you to the grave early

One of the main rules in regards to leading a healthy life is getting rid of the habits that would prevent you from doing that. So, it doesn't matter if you only eat healthy food if you still smoke two packs a day, drink 2-4s in one sitting and don't exercise. See if any of the following apply to you, and act accordingly to get rid of it. Or start paying for that vacant spot at the cemetery.

1. Smoking
Nearly half a million people die each year in the US alone due to cigarette smoking. One in every five deaths in the country could be tied to smoking somehow, and you still think it won't do you any harm. Well, think again Humphrey Bogart. The glamour of smoking from films in the earlier 20th century are a distant memory now, and fortunately the number of smokers has been dropping in the developed world. Do yourself a favor and join in the quitting, if you haven't done so yet.

2. Drinking
Alcohol consumption is the third-leading preventable cause of death in the US. It doesn't mean you should abstain completely from having a drink here and there with your buddies. As a matter of fact, a glass of wine a day has been proved to actually improve your health. Despite its benefits if consumed in (very) moderate levels, alcohol can cause very serious harm to the liver if taken in huge amounts. Not to mention how it may indirectly lead to other deaths, such as those in car crashes where alcohol plays a part.

3. Poor eating habits
What, you don't think you can die by your mouth? Think again. Each year, almost 400,000 Americans die because of a combination of poor diets and lack of exercise. Throw away the chips and burritos and reach for the greens. Don't wait until fat starts to build up on your waistline. Your arteries may have already started building up some fat before that. Go to a doctor for regular check-ups and ask for a diet from a nutritionist.

4. Lack of exercise
As stated above, almost 400,000 people die in the US each year because of a combination of lack of exercise and bad eating habits. Cancel your cable subscription and open a membership at the gym. Join running clubs or buy a stationery bike for your home. Do something, anything, but start moving now.

5. Behaving like an idiot
It doesn't matter if you think you can drive your car at 120mph, have unprotected sex, use drugs or eat at suspicious-looking diners. It may not kill you if you do it once or twice, but start doing it too often and chances are that the stats are going to catch up with you. Have some common sense and be responsible, will ya? Sorry to break it to you, but you're not Superman. You may even be healthy, but if you engage in dangerous behaviour, your health is not going to do much for you on the other side.