Wanna feel better, live longer and age-proof your brain? Then get some religion in your life! Here's the scoop from the "Chicago Sun-Times"

Canadian researchers studied Alzheimer's disease patients to see if their lifestyles affected their condition. And they found that those who regularly attended church, or some other religious activity, retained more brain function than those who didn't.

And researchers at Duke University found that people who attended religious services at least once a week had lower blood pressure, healthier immune systems, and spent less time in the hospital. And among elderly patients, the effect on survival and longevity was HUGE   equivalent to that of not smoking cigarettes versus smoking!

The researchers believe that religious activities give people a sense of hope, peace, and well-being, and that reduces health-damaging stress hormones in the bloodstream. And the benefits are so great that over two-thirds of medical schools are offering courses on spirituality and faith.

So, if you want to get and stay fit   physically and mentally   eat right, exercise and get spiritual.