Disease Proof

Come on, all of us want to be a rock star. Let’s face it, Keith Richards, Bruce Springsteen, and Joe Walsh—all cool! But, these cats are hardly the healthiest gents around. Get a load of this study in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health, entitled Elvis to Eminem:

Objective: This study measures survival rates of famous musicians (n = 1064) from their point of fame and compares them to matched general populations in North America and Europe.


Results: From 3 to 25 years post fame, both North American and European pop stars experience significantly higher mortality (more than 1.7 times) than demographically matched populations in the USA and UK, respectively. After 25 years of fame, relative mortality in European (but not North American) pop stars begins to return to population levels. Five-year post-fame survival rates suggest differential mortality between stars and general populations was greater in those reaching fame before 1980.

Conclusion: Pop stars can suffer high levels of stress in environments where alcohol and drugs are widely available, leading to health-damaging risk behaviour. However, their behaviour can also influence would-be stars and devoted fans. Collaborations between health and music industries should focus on improving both pop star health and their image as role models to wider populations.

Well, when you think about the likes of Motley Crew and The Doors it’s hard to say actually what these musicians should or shouldn’t be doing to improve and extend their lives, but, maybe these tips will help. Here are Dr. Fuhrman’s secrets to longevity, have a look:

• Intro: Seven Secrets of Longevity
• Secret 1: Eat Fewer Calories and Live Longer
• Secret 2: Prevent Deficiencies with Plant-Based Nutrition
• Secret 3: Regular Exercise Pays Big Health Dividends
• Secret 4: Avoid Toxins, Including Medication
• Secret 5: Get Sufficient Rest and Sleep for Recovery
• Secret 6: An Emotionally Satisfying Environment is Vital
• Secret 7: Fast When You are Under the Weather

Next time you’re at a concert, instead of waving a cigarette lighter in the air, maybe try a copy of Eat to Live!