True living, hard work and total abstinence from alcohol and drug abuse reflect ways of Sikh life. Such a life style is associated with lower death rate from cancer and heart diseases, according to a recent study published in Journal of the National Cancer Institute.
The study tracked 10,000 devout Mormons for eight years as they followed the recommendations of their church to abstain from tobacco, alcohol, drugs caffeine and to eat well balanced but simple diets. They maintain a strong family life and all were well educated. In addition, they also participated in regular exercise and slept for 67 hours per day.
Middle aged male Mormons who strictly adhered to their religious recommendations and participated in regular exercise plus sleep and regularly had 34% lower death rate from cancer, 14% lower death rate from heart disease and 22% less death rate overall as compared to U.S white middle aged males. Mormons wives who also adhered to the above recommendations had death rate lower by 55%, 34% and 47%respectively as compared to their white U.S. counterparts.
Article extracted from this publication >> April 6, 1990
